These Oven Baked Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and baked until golden brown with crispy skin. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & juicy – Perfectly baked for a golden, crunchy skin while keeping the inside tender.
- Easy & hands-off – Just season, bake, and enjoy!
- Budget-friendly – Chicken drumsticks are an affordable protein option.
- Keto & low-carb-friendly – No breading needed, just flavorful seasonings.
- Customizable – Adjust the seasonings to your taste or add a sauce for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (regular or smoked)
- Salt & pepper
- Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them crisp up!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Toss the chicken legs in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Drumsticks
- Place the drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (8 drumsticks)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy buffalo version – Toss in buffalo sauce after baking.
- Lemon herb – Add lemon zest and fresh herbs for a bright flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan – Toss with grated Parmesan and extra garlic powder.
- BBQ style – Brush with sugar-free BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Extra crispy – Broil for the last 3-5 minutes for ultra-crispy skin.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
FAQs
How do I get extra crispy skin on baked drumsticks?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, bake on a wire rack, and broil for the last few minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Yes! Adjust cooking time for wings (25-30 minutes) and thighs (40-45 minutes, depending on size).
What’s the best temperature to bake chicken legs?
425°F is ideal for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Can I marinate the drumsticks?
Yes! Let them marinate for 30 minutes to overnight for extra flavor.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness.
What sides go well with baked chicken legs?
Try roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, but thaw them first to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter work best for flavor and crispiness.
How do I check if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Can I meal prep these?
Yes! Bake ahead and store in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.
Conclusion
These Oven Baked Chicken Legs are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—all with minimal effort! Whether you keep them simple or add your favorite sauces, they’re a delicious and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. Try them tonight for an easy, satisfying dinner!
PrintOven Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy + Juicy Drumsticks)
These crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks are tender on the inside with perfectly seasoned, golden-brown skin. A simple, budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the chicken stay crispy).
-
Season the Drumsticks
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up).
- In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken legs.
-
Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) (190°F for extra tenderness).
-
Serve & Enjoy
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!
Notes
- Extra Crispy Tip: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end for even crispier skin.
- Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the seasoning for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Different Flavors: Swap seasonings for lemon pepper, BBQ, or Cajun seasoning for variety.