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    Home » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}

    Published: Jul 13, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    7.6K shares
    • Facebook378
    • Yummly
    5 from 105 votes
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    Pinterest image for crispy chicken legs

    My easy-to-make Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe will change how your family views chicken. These chicken drumsticks are seasoned with simple pantry spices and oven baked to perfection, resulting in crispy, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful chicken drumsticks. I know this is going to be one of your favorite chicken recipes!

    seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray

    With only 10 minutes of prep, my baked chicken legs recipe will let you spend time with your family instead of in the kitchen prepping ingredients.

    close up of seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray

    And they couldn’t be easier to make! All you have to do is coat the chicken legs with the olive oil spice mixture and bake them for about 40 minutes. The secret is getting them extra crispy is high heat.

    If you love crispy baked chicken, check out my recipe for chicken leg quarters. And if you’re in the mood for Barbecued Chicken, my Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is sure to please!

    What ingredients do I need to make Crispy Baked Chicken Legs?

    ingredients to make crispy chicken drumsticks

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Baked Chicken Drumsticks. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Can I Use Chicken Thighs To Make This Recipe?

    Yes, you can. I suggest using bone-in chicken thighs. I prefer skin-on chicken for this type of dish. The skin serves as a layer of protection to prevent the meat from drying out and creates a crispy exterior. That’s a win-win!

    You can also use whole chicken legs with the thigh attached (chicken quarters).

    If you love baked chicken try my Oven Roasted Blackened Chicken.

    How do I make Crispy Chicken Drumsticks?

    spices for the chicken legs in a glass bowl

    Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper to a small mixing bowl.

    blended spices in a small glass bowl

    Using a fork, blend the spices together.

    glass bowl with oil blended into spices

    Add the olive oil to the spices and blend them together.

    chicken legs coated with seasoning mixture on a foil lined baking tray
    • Allow the chicken legs to come to room temperature
    • Using a pastry brush (or your hands) coat the chicken legs with the seasoning oil mixture. Make sure to coat the entire drumstick.
    • Place the chicken legs in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave room between the drumsticks.

    *To get really crispy skin you need to thoroughly dry the chicken before applying the oil and seasonings. Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken legs. Removing the excess moisture from the skin will allow you to get that perfectly crispy skin.

    baked seasoned chicken legs on a foil lined tray
    • Bake the chicken legs for 30 minutes at 400 degrees on the middle rack of your oven.
    • Brush the legs with the oil that has gathered on the tray and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until crispy (cooking time may vary).

    *If you use an instant-read thermometer the internal temperature must be at least 165 degrees. At this temperature and time, they should be well above that internal temp.

    seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray

    When it comes to chicken recipes, simple ingredients tend to yield the best results, making these crispy chicken legs a dish the whole family will love!

    Can I use different seasonings on the chicken legs?

    Absolutely! Use your favorite premade seasoning blends or create your own blend using the spices with the flavor profiles you enjoy eating.

    Some of my favorite spice blends for seasoning these crispy baked chicken drumsticks are Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, old bay, barbecue seasoning and jerk seasoning.

    Recipe FAQ’s:

    Should you cover drumsticks in the oven?

    No, you shouldn’t cover the chicken legs. The skin needs to brown and get crispy. Covering the chicken during the entire cooking process will steam the chicken instead of roasting it.

    Can you overcook chicken drumsticks?

    You sure can. Overcooking the chicken will dry it out and make it tough. Check on the chicken legs after 30 minutes since all ovens are different.

    How do I know when the chicken legs are fully cooked?

    Using a meat thermometer check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken needs to reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees.

    Can I make crispy chicken drumsticks in my air fryer?

    Yes, you can.
    Coat the chicken drumsticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    Mix the seasonings together. Toss the chicken legs with the seasoning.
    Spray the seasoned chicken legs with olive oil spray.
    Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them.
    Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
    Flip the drumsticks and cook for another 10 minutes.
    Remove and serve immediately.

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    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 105 votes

    Best Baked Chicken Legs

    My easy-to-make Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe will change how your family views chicken. These chicken drumsticks are seasoned with simply pantry spices and oven baked to perfection, resulting in crispy, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful chicken drumsticks.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time35 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 311kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    • 8 skin-on chicken drumsticks approx. 2 pounds total weight
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 Tbsp sea salt cut back to 1 tsp if you're not a fan of salt.
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
    • 1 Tbsp onion powder
    • 1 Tbsp smoked or sweet paprika
    • 1 Tbsp dry mustard optional
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
    • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper to a small mixing bowl.
    • Using a fork, blend the spices together.
    • Add the olive oil to the spices and blend them together.
    • Allow the chicken legs to come to room temperature.
    • Using a pastry brush (or your hands) coat the chicken legs with the seasoning oil mixture. Make sure to coat the entire drumstick
    • Place the chicken legs in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave room between the drumsticks.
    • Bake the chicken legs for 30 minutes at 400 degrees on the middle rack of your oven.
    • Brush the legs with the oil that has gathered on the tray and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until crispy (cooking time may vary).
    • *If you use an instant-read thermometer the internal temperature must be at least 165 degrees. At this temperature and time, they should be well above that internal temp

    Notes

    CAN I USE CHICKEN THIGHS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
    Yes, you can. I suggest using bone-in chicken thighs. I prefer skin-on chicken for this type of dish. The skin serves as a layer of protection to prevent the meat from drying out and creates a crispy exterior. That’s a win-win!
    You can also use whole chicken legs with the thigh attached (chicken quarters).
     
    *To get really crispy skin you need to thoroughly dry the chicken before applying the oil and seasonings. Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken legs. Removing the excess moisture from the skin will allow you to get that perfectly crispy skin.
    CAN I USE DIFFERENT SEASONINGS ON THE CHICKEN LEGS?
    Absolutely! Use your favorite premade seasoning blends or create your own blend using the spices with the flavor profiles you enjoy eating.
    Some of my favorite spice blends for seasoning these crispy baked chicken drumsticks are Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, old bay, barbecue seasoning and jerk seasoning.
    CAN I MAKE THESE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS IN AN AIR-FRYER?
    Yes, you can, the only real change is cutting back on the olive oil.
    • Coat the chicken drumsticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Mix the seasonings together. Toss the chicken legs with the seasoning. Spray the seasoned chicken legs with olive oil spray.
    • Place the drumsticks into the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them.
    • Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.
    Recipe FAQ’s
    Should you cover drumsticks in the oven?
    No, you shouldn’t cover the chicken legs. The skin needs to brown and get crispy. Covering the chicken during the entire cooking process will steam the chicken instead of roasting it.
    Can you overcook chicken drumsticks?
    You sure can. Overcooking the chicken will dry it out and make it tough. Check on the chicken legs after 30 minutes since all ovens are different.
    How do I know when the chicken legs are fully cooked?
    Using a meat thermometer check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken needs to reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 317IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy C.

      March 19, 2023 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe last night. I kept all the seasonings the same but I cooked them on the smoker. They turned out amazing. Crispy and delicious! Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
    2. Ali

      February 09, 2023 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is a winner! My family absolutely loved it! The only change I made was I cut back on the dry mustard (by half) and it was perfect for us. We have added to our permanent food roster (at home and for camping) – thanks for sharing! So delicious!

      Reply
    3. Lillybet

      February 05, 2023 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      I prepared chicken legs following the recipe exactly as written, and they were absolutely delicious. The seasoning was perfect, and they baked up so nice and crispy. My family loves chicken legs, and I’ve cooked them in many different ways down through the years. I think this recipe is the best I’ve ever tried, and it’s going to be my go-to from now on. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Keith

      January 20, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      My wife and kids said these were the best chicken legs I ever made. Perfect blend of seasonings even for my 8 year old twins!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 20, 2023 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the chicken legs! I hope you find more recipes to try on my blog for your family to enjoy!

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          January 20, 2023 at 5:16 pm

          Thanks Lisa; I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the chicken. I make it often for my family!

    5. Lisa

      January 20, 2023 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      These were a big hit with my family! I saw someone mentioned salty, and no one in my family thought they were. I made two batches of them, doubling the seasonings and they were perfect!

      Reply
    6. Dave Pederson

      November 06, 2022 at 2:21 pm

      4 stars
      I love salty dishes, but this made the saltiest chicken legs I have ever eaten. Maybe for the Sea Salt use 1 Tsp instead of 1 Tbsp.
      Otherwise very good, and simple enough for a starting cook (me) to make.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 06, 2022 at 2:27 pm

        sorry, it was too salty for your tastes Dave, but thanks for leaving the comment. it’s easy enough to cut back the salt and hopefully, that will work out better for you. That’s not actually a large percentage of the seasonings, a little less than 25% of the total seasonings.

        Reply
    7. Michelle

      October 18, 2022 at 7:12 am

      5 stars
      So good my boyfriend couldn’t stop eating them

      Reply
    8. Eric Bowers

      October 13, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      I have been cooking and basting this chicken for an hour and some change and it is not getting crisp. 🤔

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        October 13, 2022 at 8:23 pm

        I guess they’re not getting crisp if you’re basting them. Basting is to keep meat moist, they need to dry out to get crisp

        Reply
        • Shery Sullivan

          March 02, 2023 at 4:36 pm

          5 stars
          Bringing these to my sister in law ahs her husband for tonight’s dinner. Also bringing mashed potatoes and cheesy broccoli. Thanks for the recipe.

      • Sue D

        February 08, 2023 at 12:29 pm

        Why are the measurements as tablespoons in US but teaspoons in metric?

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          February 08, 2023 at 3:09 pm

          Thanks for letting me know, there was a glitch in some of the recipes and the calculations were not being made correctly. I fixed it for this post, now I have start checking to make sure there are no more.

    9. Jamie

      July 24, 2022 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      This made a delicious dinner tonight! My family loved how crispy the skin turned out and the spices were easy and flavorful. I’ll be making this again!

      Reply
    10. Ksenia

      July 24, 2022 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      I loved your chicken drumsticks, it’s my new favorite recipe!

      Reply
    11. Cathleen

      July 24, 2022 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      I ALWAYS buy chicken legs, and I am always looking for new ways of cooking them. Love a good crispy chicken, so I know that I am going to love these 🙂

      Reply
    12. Amy

      July 24, 2022 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      This was such an easy and delicious recipe. I loved the tip of lining the pan with foil ~ fewer dishes to wash 🙂

      Reply
    13. Kathryn

      July 24, 2022 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      This crispy baked chicken is delicious! It reminds me how my mom used to bake her chicken growing up and it was always my favorite. So easy and simple to make, can’t wait to have this for dinner again this week!

      Reply
    14. Chenée

      July 23, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was perfect for an easy dinner last night! I made ours in the air fryer and they were deliciously crispy!

      Reply
    15. Tristin

      July 22, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      Used the air fryer to make these chicken legs. They came out crisp and full of flavor.

      Reply
    16. Linda

      July 22, 2022 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      When you gave instructions for making these crispy chicken legs in an air fryer I was hooked! I used my favorite cajun seasoning and followed your timing and they came out incredibly crispy and were devoured within minutes of serving them. This recipe is now on my monthly rotation.

      Reply
    17. Erin

      July 21, 2022 at 7:16 am

      5 stars
      I love the mix of spices! Such an easy and delicious dinner. We all loved it, thank you!

      Reply

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    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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