When you’re after a reliable, fuss-free meal that delivers on both taste and texture, baked chicken legs hit the mark every time. With minimal effort and a handful of pantry staples, you can turn simple drumsticks into crispy, juicy perfection. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or prepping meals for busy days, this oven-roasted recipe makes cooking feel rewarding and effortless.
It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy, baked until the outside is golden and the inside is moist and tender. No need for complicated techniques — just straightforward, feel-good food made in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked chicken legs offer the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. The seasoning blend is packed with flavor and easy to whip up from everyday ingredients. Cleanup is simple, and the dish stores well, making it ideal for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or batch-cooked lunches. It’s a no-fail recipe that works every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
8 chicken drumsticks (around 2 pounds)
Drumsticks with the skin on are best for achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
¼ cup olive oil
Acts as the base for the spice rub and helps crisp the skin as it bakes.
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Seasoning the meat generously helps enhance flavor and keeps it juicy.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
A mix of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil brings aromatic depth.
½ teaspoon paprika (either sweet or smoked)
Provides color and adds a hint of warmth to the chicken.
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Infuses the chicken with rich, savory flavor without burning.
½ teaspoon onion powder
Adds a subtle sweetness and complements the garlic.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
A touch of heat that elevates the overall flavor profile.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Use fresh parsley at the end to brighten up the dish before serving.
How to Make Baked Chicken Legs
Roasting chicken legs in the oven allows for deep flavor and crispy skin without needing to fry. Begin by drying each piece thoroughly, which helps the skin brown better. Then coat the drumsticks in a flavorful oil-based seasoning. A high oven temperature helps develop that beautiful color and texture, while keeping the meat juicy inside. Turning the pieces once ensures even cooking on both sides.
This is a great go-to dinner for any skill level, and the whole process is surprisingly quick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and place the rack in the center. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease it lightly.
Step 2: Dry the drumsticks
Using paper towels, pat the chicken dry to remove any surface moisture. This is essential for crisp skin.
Step 3: Combine the seasoning
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well blended.
Step 4: Coat the chicken
Place the drumsticks into the bowl and turn them until each one is evenly covered in the seasoned oil mixture.
Step 5: Arrange on the baking sheet
Spread the drumsticks out on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each piece.
Step 6: Begin roasting
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes without turning.
Step 7: Flip and continue baking
After 25 minutes, flip each drumstick over and return to the oven for another 7 to 10 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 170°F to 175°F.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Helpful Tips
Drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning ensures the skin crisps properly in the oven. Don’t crowd the pieces on the baking sheet, or the steam will prevent them from browning. If you want even crispier skin, use the broiler during the last 2 minutes — just keep a close eye on them. Always check doneness with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Details
Flavor: Bold and savory with herb and garlic notes
Texture: Crunchy skin with tender, moist meat
Ideal for: Dinner, meal prep, or weekend cooking
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 (2 drumsticks per person)
Notes and Variations
You can substitute drumsticks with bone-in thighs or wings. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly. For a spicy version, mix in ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Want something brighter? Add lemon zest to the seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice after baking.
This dish can also be prepped in advance. Season the drumsticks a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 139 mg |
| Sodium | 1322 mg |
| Potassium | 366 mg |
| Vitamin A | 287 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 28 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should chicken legs cook in the oven?
Bake for a total of 35 minutes at 425°F, flipping once during the final stretch for even cooking.
What’s the best temperature for crispy baked chicken legs?
A hot oven at 425°F gives you crisp skin without drying out the meat.
Should I cover the chicken legs while baking?
No, bake them uncovered. Covering traps moisture, which keeps the skin from crisping.
What’s the best way to keep baked drumsticks juicy?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest before serving so the juices stay inside.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, place the drumsticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Print
Baked Chicken Legs | Juicy Weeknight Classic Made Easy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, juicy oven-baked chicken legs seasoned with herbs and spices. An easy, flavorful dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
¼ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Pat the drumsticks dry using paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil with salt and spices.
4. Toss chicken in the seasoning blend until coated.
5. Place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Flip each drumstick and bake for 7–10 more minutes until golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing and serving.
Notes
Use skin-on chicken for crispy texture.
Season ahead of time to enhance flavor.
Try smoked paprika or lemon zest for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1322mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 139mg
Conclusion
Baked chicken legs are a simple, delicious answer to what’s for dinner. They come together quickly, require very little cleanup, and taste amazing. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping meals for the week, or just want something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers. Juicy, flavorful, and crisp in all the right ways — once you try it, you’ll keep it on repeat. If you give it a go, let us know how it turned out. Your kitchen deserves meals like this.