Baked chicken legs are one of the easiest, most satisfying meals you can make with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. They’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfectly seasoned for a crowd-pleasing dinner any night of the week.
Chicken legs (drumsticks) are an affordable and flavorful cut that stays moist during cooking. Baking them in the oven brings out their natural juiciness and allows the skin to become golden and crispy without deep frying.
This recipe requires just a few pantry staples—salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a little oil—but the result tastes like something you spent hours preparing.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping, or making a quick weeknight dinner, these chicken legs are as reliable as they are delicious.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a side salad, or even rice for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on how many people you’re serving. The preparation stays just as easy.
The seasoning blend can be customized, too. Add chili powder for heat, Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist, or lemon zest for brightness.
Baking the legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet helps them cook evenly and allows the fat to drip away—keeping the skin extra crispy.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and doesn’t require any breading, flour, or breadcrumbs—just simple, clean ingredients.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and packed with protein, this one checks every box.
Best of all, cleanup is easy—just line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and you’re done.
Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to frying or over-complicated marinades. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Perfectly crispy chicken legs without the fuss—this is dinner made easy.
Servings:
Serves 4–6
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Optional: 1/2 tsp onion powder or chili powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any additional spices.
- Rub chicken legs with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange chicken legs on the rack, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) and skin is crispy.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid over- or undercooking.
- For extra-crispy skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Simple ingredients, crispy skin, and juicy chicken make this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It’s affordable, fast, and family-approved.
Summary:
This easy baked chicken legs recipe delivers juicy meat and crispy skin with just a few ingredients. A simple, satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and short on effort.
