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Bake Chicken Legs in the Oven

How to Bake Chicken Legs in the OvenChicken 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.

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.

Rub the chicken legs with BBQ seasonings before baking them.

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.

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

BBQ chicken legs baking in the oven.

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.

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

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.

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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

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).
 
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: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 762mg | Sugar: 12g
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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