Baked Chicken Legs

These Baked Chicken Legs (drumsticks) are one of the fastest dinners you can make. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy, they require no marinating and only 30 minutes to bake.

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Try my baked chicken wings or whole roasted chicken next!

About This Recipe

I started making these baked chicken legs as a way to use up my leftover crabbing bait- yes, chicken drumsticks are the best crabbing bait! I'd initially bought a giant bag and kept it in my freezer, but after several months and a few cancelled crabbing trips, it was just taking up space in my freezer, so I decided to cook them instead.

I thought it'd be a one-and-done recipe, but now I make it all the time. The chicken legs come out incredibly juicy and perfectly seasoned. The best part is they are incredibly quick and easy to make- only about 30-35 minutes. I love serving them with roast or mashed potatoes.

The key to this recipe is to not overcook them. Chicken dark meat tastes the best around 165-170°F. I like to keep a thermometer handy and check the temperature every few minutes after the first 25 minutes or so. That way, I can pull them out at the best time.

Key Ingredients

Chicken drumsticks: I used chicken drumsticks for this recipe. You can easily adapt it for chicken leg quarters, thighs, or even wings.

Olive oil: This is for coating the spices around the chicken legs.

Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Baking powder: The baking powder creates tiny bubbles on the surface of the skin, which add a feeling of crispiness to it.

Instructions

STEP 1: Add the chicken drumsticks, olive oil, spices, and baking powder to a large bowl. Toss to evenly coat the spices all over the chicken.

STEP 2: Arrange the chicken on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

STEP 3: Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping once in between.

📋 Recipe

Baked Chicken Legs

These are the best baked chicken legs you'll ever have. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy. Easy to make in only 30 minutes. Best weeknight meal ever.

5 from 2 votes

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Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• ▢ 3 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Pat the chicken dry and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, spices, and baking powder, and use your hands to massage them all over the chicken.
• Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping once in between. Once they reach 165°F in the thickest part, they are ready.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

Did you make this?Let me know how it was!