Chicken drumsticks are the perfect way to feed a crowd and get food on the table in a hurry! Learn how to bake chicken legs in the oven. The process is simple – coat chicken in a seasoning of your choice and toss them in the oven. It’s as easy as that!
How to Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add seasoning to a mixing bowl and massage it into the chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 6 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), and set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet; line the drumsticks onto it.
Step 3: Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.
Step 4: If you prefer crispy skin- set the oven to broil and cook for 1-3 minutes. Remove the drumsticks from heat and allow them to rest before serving.
Expert Tips
- For crispy skin, dry the chicken legs with a cloth before seasoning and baking them.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken after the 20-minute mark. The safe cooking temperature is 165°F (73°C).
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Serving Suggstions
- Seasonings: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Rib Rub Recipe, Blackened Seasoning, Slap Ya Mama Seasoning Recipe
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze – Let the chicken cool, and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Baked chicken legs freeze for 4-6 months.
- Thaw – Defrost the chicken in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat – Warm the chicken legs in the oven and then broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end for a perfect crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a safe baked chicken legs temperature? How do you know when they’re done?
You will know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). Cooking times may vary based on the size of the drumsticks. I highly recommend using a food thermometer for a more accurate reading.
How long to cook chicken legs in the oven?
I bake drumsticks in the oven for 20-30 minutes at 400°F (204°C) for crispy, juicy drumsticks every single time! Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the temperature of your oven.
How long to broil chicken?
Broil chicken for 1-3 minutes after baking to get a nice, crispy skin.
More Chicken Recipes:
Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup chicken rub of choice
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Add seasoning to a mixing bowl and massage it into the chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 6 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), and set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet; line the drumsticks onto it.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.
- If you prefer crispy skin- set the oven to broil and cook for 1-3 minutes. Remove the drumsticks from heat and allow them to rest before serving.
- For crispy skin, dry the chicken legs with a cloth before seasoning and baking them.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken after the 20-minute mark. The safe cooking temperature is 165°F (73°C).
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.