How to Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven – 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!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Drumsticks
- Oil
- Seasoning
HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN LEGS IN THE OVEN
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
1. Add seasoning to a mixing bowl and massage it into the chicken. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 6 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C), and set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet; line the drumsticks onto it.
3. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.
4. If you prefer crispy skin- set the oven to broil and cook for 1-3 minutes.
5. Remove the drumsticks from heat and allow them to rest before serving.
COOKING 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 SUGGESTIONS
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container; baked chicken will keep for up to four days.
- Freeze – Allow the chicken to cool, and add it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Baked chicken freezes for 4 months.
- Thaw – When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat – For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven.
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.
YOUR SHOULD ALSO TRY:
Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup chicken rub of choice
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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.