Baked Chicken Legs Recipe

Learn the tips and tricks to make crispy and delicious baked chicken legs. You will be amazed how quickly this comes together in only 30 minutes. Plus, chicken legs are very inexpensive and great for the grocery budget.

You will love how crispy the outside of the chicken is. The inside is moist and flavorful. You can’t go wrong with this quick and easy recipe!

Get dinner on the table in less time than getting take out! You might also like Oven Baked Chicken thighs recipe or our recipe for rotisserie chicken. It is also super easy and tasty!

Why This Recipe Works

Once I found out how easy it was to cook chicken drumsticks, I started making these more frequently. I can’t even get takeout in the amount of time it takes to cook this chicken.

I love being able to feed my family delicious meals while staying on budget. This recipe is a win all around. The kids love how crispy chicken skin is and the entire family asks for it all the time. It is frugal, easy and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks – You can also use other cuts of chicken such as chicken thighs or oven baked chicken breasts.
• Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out
• Italian Seasoning – Make Italian Seasoning Recipe if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Seasoning Variations

Feel free to change the spices to what you prefer. Here are some delicious variations.

• Cayenne Pepper
• Fresh Herbs – Such as Rosemary
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder

How to Make Baked Chicken Legs in the Oven

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil) for easy clean up.

• Step 2 – Place the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks.  I used a basting brush to cover the chicken drumsticks evenly.

• Step 3 – Combine all the seasonings together in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks.

• Step 4 – Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

• Step 5 – Switch the oven to broil. Broil the drumsticks for 3-4 minutes to brown the drumsticks.

• Step 6 – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Baking Sheet – We recommend covering the baking sheet with foil to bake the chicken drumsticks. This helps with cleanup and prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Seasoning – Add the dry rub to the chicken drumsticks completely for the best flavor.
• Meat Thermometer – Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the chicken drumsticks are cooked to internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Serving Suggestions

The ideas are endless to serve with baked chicken legs. I do prefer to keep the side dishes simple though. Our family enjoys this easy 4 ingredient Parmesan Pasta. We also love Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans. It is simple but delicious.

Instant pot White Rice Recipe is also tasty. We actually keep this in the freezer so it is so easy on busy nights. Learn how to freeze rice and you can make this meal even easier.

Sometimes we also add a simple side salad or learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for another easy side idea.

This meal is also good with asparagus. This oven roasted asparagus is a family favorite and it is very simple and quick to make.

Storing and Freezing Tips

• Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Leftovers – After the chicken legs have cooled to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container. Freeze up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating Leftovers – Reheat the leftovers in the air-fryer so the drumsticks can heat through and have crispy skin again.