Oven 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
Scale
- 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.