Baked chicken legs are a weeknight dinner staple—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of savory flavor in every bite. They’re quick to prep and satisfyingly delicious.
This fuss-free dish combines budget-friendly chicken drumsticks with bold spices and high-heat baking for mouthwatering results that taste like comfort food with a kick.
What You’ll Need for These Flavor-Packed Baked Chicken Legs
- Chicken drumsticks – The star of the dish, their dark meat stays juicy and tender during baking.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and encourages crispy, golden skin.
- Sea salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
- Ground black pepper – Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- Garlic powder – Infuses the chicken with robust, aromatic flavor.
- Smoked paprika – Lends a rich, smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Chili powder – Adds a subtle kick to balance the smoky and savory notes.
- Onion powder – Rounds out the seasoning blend with a mellow, sweet-savory edge.
Easy Steps to Juicy, Crispy Baked Chicken Legs
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. A light spray of cooking oil helps prevent sticking and encourages browning.
Pat the chicken legs dry to ensure the skin crisps up nicely, then toss them in olive oil until evenly coated. This also helps the spices adhere beautifully.
Mix your seasoning blend in a small bowl, then rub it all over the drumsticks until they’re coated in a flavorful crust.
Arrange the chicken legs on your prepared baking sheet with space between each one. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F or higher for ultra-juicy results.
Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
Though 165°F is the safe minimum internal temperature, baking these drumsticks closer to 180°F makes them fall-off-the-bone tender with no red near the bone. The higher heat also crisps up the skin beautifully—no broiler needed.
Want to spice things up? Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Prefer something milder? Swap smoked paprika with sweet paprika and skip the chili powder. You can even add a touch of brown sugar for a hint of caramelized sweetness.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile: pair the baked chicken legs with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or slide the meat off the bone for tacos, wraps, or rice bowls.
Storing & Reheating Tips for Baked Chicken Legs
Leftover baked chicken legs keep well in the fridge for up to four days. While the skin won’t be as crispy when reheated, the flavor and juiciness remain satisfying.
To reheat, use a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to bring back a bit of that crispy texture. For quick meals, shred the meat cold or warm into salads, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes. These chicken legs are just as tasty the next day—sometimes even more so.
Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 8 chicken drumsticks approximately 2 lb
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat at 425°F.
- Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and apply a light coating of non-stick spray; reserve for later use.
- Extract the drumsticks from their packaging, pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels, and transfer them into either a mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, blend together all the dry seasonings. Introduce this seasoning mix to the drumsticks and toss until each piece is thoroughly covered.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers at least 165°F and the skin is crisped to your preference.
Notes
Stored in an airtight container, cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to four days. While the skin may lose its crispness upon reheating, the meat remains flavorful—perfect for adding to salads or sandwiches either warm or cold.