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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! 

A hand holding a chicken drumstick.

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.

Rub the chicken legs with BBQ seasonings before baking them.

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.

Line the chicken legs with BBQ seasoning onto a rimmed baking sheet to bake.

Step 3: Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through.

BBQ chicken legs baking in the oven.

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.

BBQ baked chicken legs fresh out of the oven and ready to be served.

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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WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS 

  • Refrigerate  Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4 days.
  • Freeze  Let the chicken cool, and transfer 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.

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Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven

Tressa Jamil
Learn how to make chicken legs in the oven for fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks every time.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Preparations
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 396 kcal
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
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).
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 2 Drumsticks | Calories: 396 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 37 g | Fat: 20 g | Sodium: 762 mg | Sugar: 12 g
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
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