• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Platings and pairings logo.
Start Here
All Recipes
Perfect Pairings
Wine Travel
About
Home

Oven Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy + Juicy Drumsticks)

Jump to Recipe

|

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

February 28, 2025

|

5 from 39 votes

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Baked chicken legs pinterest image.

These Oven Baked Chicken Legs (drumsticks) are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No breading needed! Turn to this easy recipe when you need a quick dinner or protein for meal prep.

Baked chicken legs in white serving bowl.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe

Cooking chicken legs in the oven is a foolproof cooking method that always produces juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside chicken! No complicated steps included – just season the chicken, bake for about 40 minutes, then serve and enjoy.

The best part of this recipe is that while your chicken legs bake in the oven, you can throw in a side of sweet potatoes, delicata squash, broccoli, or brussels sprouts and they’ll bake at the same time. So, in no time, you’ll have a well-balanced meal everyone will love.

Reader

Love



5 stars
obsessed with this recipe. my whole family love it. delicious crispy outside and super juicy inside. I’m actually on the site right now looking for the recipe to make again for the 5th time!!! 😛😛

–

KAYLA

ez-toc

Ingredients needed

  • Chicken drumsticks – Keep the skin on and the bones in! I used 2 pounds worth of drumsticks for this recipe, which should be enough to feed a family of four.
  • Dry seasonings – You can keep it simple and stick to a mix of kosher salt, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Or, if you want to kick up the spice level, head to the customizing tips below for more seasoning ideas. 
  • Olive oil – Just a little gets mixed with the spices to create a paste, which helps the seasonings stick to the skin.

How to make chicken legs in the oven

Oven roasting produces crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken every time:

Preheat the oven

Set the oven to 425-degrees and preheat while you prep the chicken. If you have a convection oven, you should use that feature.

Season the chicken legs

Combine the salt and spices with olive oil to create a paste. Rub the paste onto the skin, coating each piece evenly.

Spices for baked chicken legs in bowl before combining.
Spices combined with olive oil in bowl.

Bake the chicken legs

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Then arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.

Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees.

Enjoy!

Uncooked chicken legs on baking sheet.
Baked chicken legs on sheet pan.

Recipe tips

  • Take the drumsticks out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. Tempering the meat helps it cook quicker and more evenly. 
  • Before applying the seasoning paste, pat the legs completely dry with a paper towel. This not only helps the seasonings stick to the outside of the chicken but also prevents steaming (which stops the skin from crisping).
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. The hot air must fully circulate around each drumstick to achieve crispy skin.
  • Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps every bit of juice and flavor soak into the meat. 

Serving suggestions

Chicken legs for dinner pair so well with all of the side dishes below, as well as these 50 Best Sides For Chicken or BBQ Chicken:

  • Baked Beans
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes
  • Mashed Cauliflower
  • Mashed Sweet Potato
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Sauteed Spinach
  • Vinegar Coleslaw

Customize it

As an alternative to the suggested seasonings in the recipe card, use any of these seasoning blends instead: 

  • Homemade Chicken Seasoning
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Al Pastor Marinade
  • Chili Seasoning
  • Chicken Wing Rub for Smoking
  • Dry Buffalo Seasoning
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • Montreal Seasoning
  • Ranch Seasoning
  • Taco Seasoning

The right sauces can make your chicken legs feel just like your favorite chicken wings. Try tossing the cooked legs in one of these fun flavors or serving it on the side: 

  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Peri Peri Sauce
  • Jerk Sauce
  • Mushroom Sauce
  • Boom Boom Sauce
  • Buffalo Sauce
  • Honey Mustard
  • Ranch Dressing
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Peruvian Green Sauce
  • Aji Amarillo
  • White BBQ Sauce
  • More → 25+ Sauces for Fried Chicken or try one of these wing sauces
Oven baked chicken legs piled in serving bowl.

FAQs

How long do chicken legs take in the oven?

This exact time will depend on the size of the drumsticks. They typically don’t take longer than 45 minutes when cooked at 425-degrees.

How do you know when chicken legs are done?

The best way to tell that the chicken is done cooking is with a meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thicker part of the leg and check that the internal temperature has reached a safe 165ºF before serving.
If the meat is cooked through but the skin isn’t crisped to your liking, continue cooking the legs up to 190ºF. The skin will crisp without sacrificing any juiciness inside. 

Storing and reheating

Let the chicken legs cool completely before refrigerating them in a shallow, airtight container for 3 to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 4 months.

To reheat, bake the chicken in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until the skin is re-crisped and the meat is warmed through. 

Wine pairings for drumsticks

  • Crisp and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay are both wonderful choices with chicken.
  • As for reds, the bright acidity and smooth finish of a Pinot Noir will pair well with the lightly seasoned chicken.
  • More → 5 favorite wine pairings for chicken.

More helpful how-to chicken guides

  • Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
  • Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
  • Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
  • Sous Vide Chicken Breasts

​​Did you make these oven baked chicken legs?

If you loved this baked chicken drumsticks recipe, I would appreciate it if you gave it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

Baked chicken legs in white serving bowl.

Full Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Legs

These Oven Baked Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No breading needed! Turn to this easy recipe when you need a quick dinner or protein for meal prep.
5 from 39 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 45 minutes mins
Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425-degrees.
  • In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat chicken drumsticks with the paste.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees.

Notes

  • Take the drumsticks out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. Tempering the meat helps it cook quicker and more evenly. 
  • Before applying the seasoning paste, pat the legs completely dry with a paper towel. This not only helps the seasonings stick to the outside of the chicken but also prevents steaming (which stops the skin from crisping).
  • Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps every bit of juice and flavor soak into the meat. 

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
5 from 39 votes (30 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

17 responses

  1. Jessica
    April 8, 2023

    5 stars
    Delicious! I had all of the ingredients and needed a hands-off dinner. All 8 of us (including kids) enjoyed this recipe with no changed needed or requested. And I added brussel sprouts in the oven to cook with the chicken – thank you for that suggestion as well!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      April 9, 2023

      Thank you Jessica!

      Reply
  2. Dottie
    April 12, 2023

    Can I use wings instead and how long should I cook them on what temperature?
    I didn’t want to go to store just for legs
    Thank You

    Reply
    1. Erin
      April 16, 2023

      Hi Dottie! I would follow this recipe without using the buffalo sauce if you don’t care for it. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Katy M.
    October 6, 2023

    5 stars
    I made these drumsticks last night and they were perfect. Just what I was looking for. Took 42 mins in my oven. Loved the flavor! Added broccoli to the oven after flipping the chicken. Recipe is definitely being saved for an easy and cheap dinner idea!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      October 9, 2023

      Thanks Katy!

      Reply
  4. Jacqui
    January 4, 2024

    5 stars
    Made this tonight but with split wings. Done at 35 minutes. Oh so good. Don’t have to order out!!! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 5, 2024

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Claudette
    April 12, 2024

    5 stars
    So easy and sooooo tasty, thanks for sharing
    We will be doing this again and again

    Reply
  6. Baylee
    June 14, 2024

    5 stars
    You definitely slayed this recipe! I’ve made it multiple times, and it’s so delicious each time! Best chicken legs I’ve ever had/made. Seasoned super well, and the recipe is so easy. 10/10 highly recommend!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 15, 2024

      Thank you so much Baylee!

      Reply
  7. Jean
    August 2, 2024

    5 stars
    I’ve made this recipe multiple times but have always increased the oil to create the paste. It is delicious but can’t understand why no one else has the same issue. One Tbsp. oil doesn’t come anywhere near making a paste. Anyhow, great flavour, fast and easy.

    Reply
  8. Alyse
    September 19, 2024

    5 stars
    This was so good! Like others, I doubled the amount of oil. To save time, I added all of the chicken, oil, and spices to a gallon ziplock bag and then shook and massaged everything together. Turned out great!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 23, 2024

      Thanks so much Alyse!

      Reply
  9. KAYLA
    September 22, 2024

    5 stars
    obsessed with this recipe. my whole family love it. delicious crispy outside and super juicy inside. I’m actually on the site right now looking for the recipe to make again for the 5th time!!! 😛😛

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 23, 2024

      Thanks so much Kayla!

      Reply
  10. Lucy Fritts
    March 14, 2025

    5 stars
    These were excellent and almost no mess to clean up! They cooked beautifully and stayed very juicy inside. We like spice so added 1/4 t Cayenne. A huge hit with mashed potatoes and honey roasted Brussel Sprouts.

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

Know More

Follow Me on Social!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X
  • YouTube

Recent Recipes

  • Cod Piccata 
  • Greek Chicken Quinoa Salad
  • Chili Crisp Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Chicken Piccata Meatballs
  • Easy Crab Spaghetti (15-Minute Recipe)
  • American Lamb Sausage Rolls
  • Avocado Hot Sauce
  • Caramelized Cabbage Pasta with Pecans

Dish Type

30 Minute Meals
Appetizer Recipes
Cocktail Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Healthy Recipes

Cooking Method

Air Fryer Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Sous Vide Recipes

Ingredient

Beef Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Lamb Recipes
Pork Recipes
Seafood Recipes

Cocktails

Classic
Gin
Margarita
Moscow Mule
Vodka

Sides

Bread
Potatoes
Rice
Salad
Vegetables

Travel

Australia
California
Europe
Hawaii
Italy
About Me
Contact
Privacy Policy

© All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.