How To Cook Chicken Legs In Oven

How To Make Baked Bbq Drumsticks

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken The Right Way| Juicy and Delicious

Homemade baked drumsticks are super easy to make with chicken drumsticks and a homemade barbecue sauce. You’ll find the full step-by-step recipe below, but here’s what you can expect:

Start by making the barbecue sauce, with ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, butter, salt, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and chili powder. Coat the drumsticks with the sauce, then bake them until the juices run clear and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

When Is The Chicken Done Cooking

The best bet for knowing when any meat is done, is checking the center of the meat with an Instant Read Thermometer. It gives you an instant temperature reading, which for chicken you want to be at 165F. The lowest temperature you can pull chicken from the oven is at 160F. It will raise another 5 degrees as it rests.

If you dont have a thermometer, you will have to use the old school test that our grandmothers did, which is cut into one and see if there is any pink. When cooking bone in chicken, you will often end up with some red spots, but those are perfectly fine to eat.

Making Ahead Storage And Reheating

Making Ahead: Because this recipe doesnt use any acid, you can season the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before baking so it comes to room temperature before its placed in the oven

Storage: Leftover baked chicken drumsticks will keep, stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating: Although you can enjoy chicken legs cold or at room temperature, drumsticks can be reheated in the microwave or uncovered in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 375ºF

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Is It Better To Bake Chicken Legs At 350 Or 400

The truth is that both temperatures work. Bone-in chicken drumsticks, thighs and wings can be baked at 350ºF and 400ºF. If cooking the chicken at 350ºF, you may have to add 5-10 additional minutes to the baking time. For this particular recipe, I prefer roasting the chicken at 400ºF because I want the skin to get extra crispy.

Seriously The Best Baked Chicken Legs

Crispy Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks Recipe

Im not one to buy chicken legs very frequently because its habit for me to reach for the boneless skinless chicken breasts. But man oh man I forget how inexpensive chicken legs are, how easy they are to throw together on a busy weeknight and that all my kids eat them no problem. I think a lot of times, people see the drumsticks at the grocery store and just dont know what to do with them so they pass them by completely. But Im here to tell you that the simple approach is best and making a really basic spice rub to sprinkle over top is where the magic happens.

A hot oven and homemade spice mix will give you chicken legs with:

that are juicy and flavorful

Even though this recipe is pretty basic, it is delicious and is one I keep coming back to time and time again.

Ive got some step by step photos below to walk you through the process, but I promise its supersimple!

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Baked Chicken Quarters Make For Easy Budget

Sure, chicken breasts get a lot of attention as people look for easy and delicious ways to eat healthier. Still, you can’t deny the deliciousness of a well-cooked chicken leg. The white meat parts of the chicken are considered healthier than dark meat . But the truth is, there isn’t a significant health difference between the two. Dark meats do contain a bit more fat than their light meat counterparts, but chicken is still one of the healthiest proteins you can consume. And chicken legs are also inexpensive, versatile, meaty, and moist. Many chicken lovers consider them the most flavorful part of the bird.

BHG / Madhumita Sathishkumar

There are many different ways you can cook chicken legs and thighs, but one of our favorites for flavor and ease has to be oven baking. This technique results in a moist, juicy chicken with a crisp, flavorful outer crust that everyone in the family will love.

Will Chicken Legs Bake Within The Same Time At Varying Temperatures

Chicken will cook at different timesdepending on the temperature you are using. If you want it to cook faster, thenincrease the temperature. However, cooking at a moderate temperature is thebest option. Of course, except when you are broiling.

20 to 25 mins 400 to 425 degrees F

25 to 30 mins 350 to 375 degrees F

30 to 40 mins 300 to 325 degrees F

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Best Baked Chicken Legs

My easy-to-make Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe will change how your family views chicken. These chicken drumsticks are seasoned with simple pantry spices and oven baked to perfection, resulting in crispy, crunchy, and incredibly flavorful chicken drumsticks. I know this is going to be one of your favorite chicken recipes!

With only 10 minutes of prep, my baked chicken legs recipe will let you spend time with your family instead of in the kitchen prepping ingredients.

And they couldnt be easier to make! All you have to do is coat the chicken legs with the olive oil spice mixture and bake them for about 40 minutes. The secret is getting them extra crispy is high heat.

If you love crispy baked chicken, check out my recipe for chicken leg quarters. And if youre in the mood for Barbecued Chicken, my Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is sure to please!

Why Chicken Legs Take A Little Longer To Bake

If youve been cooking chicken in all its forms for some time now, youve probably noticed that chicken legs take a little longer to bake than other white meat cuts. This is because they have higher fat content and more density from the bones. For this recipe, they take about 40-45 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. That said, once you season them and pop them in the oven they require no fuss and are the ultimate set it and forget it kind of protein. Well worth the wait!

Air Fryer Hack: Short on time? Try out this recipe for air fryer chicken legs instead. If you dont have an air fryer yet, Im obsessed with this model from Cosori.

What Is The Best Pan To Bake Chicken In

There are many different types of pans that can be used to bake chicken, so it is important to choose the one that is the best for you. Some of the most popular pan types include a 9×13 inch baking dish or

an 8×8 inch pan. It is also important to make sure that the pan has a non-stick surface, as this will help to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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What Temperature Do You Bake Chicken Thighs And Legs

Place the chicken thighs/leg quarters skin side up in a shallow baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Garlic powder should be sprinkled on top. Drizzle each piece with approximately 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the skin is crisp and golden and the flesh is ready to come away from the bones.

Oven Baked Chicken Leg Recipe Faqs

How long does it take to cook chicken legs in the oven?

It takes around 45 minutes to bake bone in, skin on medium sized whole chicken legs. It also works for bone in chicken thighs. Chicken drumsticks, if separated from the thigh, may bake for less time, especially if they are smaller.

What temperature do you bake whole chicken legs at?

I bake chicken thighs and drumsticks at 425F usually. Sometimes, I’ll up the temperature to 450F if they are super big chicken legs. If your oven runs hot or the chicken skin is not browning too fast or burning, then lower the temperature to 400F.

Do you cook whole chicken legs, chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks covered or uncovered?

Uncovered. That way the skin will get crispy while insulating the meat which will stay juicy and tender.

What are chicken legs?

Whole chicken legs are made up of the chicken thigh and the chicken drums . Think of the leg like a humans – we have a thigh and also the shin/calf .

The two plated photos were taken in my old kitchen/oven. The baking sheet photos were taken when I did the instructional video above in my new kitchen/oven. The difference in the color of the chicken have to do with different ovens cooking at different temperatures. It also has to do with darker and different paprika colors.

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What To Serve With Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are pretty universal in character and friendly with a wide range of other dishes. Try these drumsticks with Fried Rice and a simple Garden Salad, as pictured above. Else, make up a big batch of Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad these are great big batch sides that keep in the fridge for days. For something different, theres also my marinated Vegetable Pasta Salad , a Quinoa Kale Salad or a big Sweet Potato Salad.

For more ideas, have a browse through my collection of Side Dishes .

Love to know if you try this let me know what you think! Nagi x

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Preparing Baked Chicken Legs

Preparing these baked chicken legs only requires 4 simple ingredients and some super simple prep. Below, find a simplified overview of the process before you get to cooking.

Preheat the Oven: First, turn the oven to 400°F.
Season the Chicken Legs: Using your hands, massage the seasoning onto all the chicken legs.
Bake the Chicken Legs: Assemble the chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet or baking dish . Bake the chicken legs for about 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

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How Long Does It Take To Cook A Chicken In The Oven

Roasting the chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. How long should the chicken be baked in the oven for best results? Cooking time for chicken thighs and drumsticks should be between 40 and 45 minutes. It will take around an hour to complete both legs. What is the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked? The interior temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips For Crispy Chicken Legs

Best Ever Baked Chicken Drumsticks Step by Step

Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before adding to the bowl with spices. This will remove any excess moisture.
Want crispier chicken? Cook the chicken on a rack that sits on top of the baking sheet. This will allow all juices to drip away from the chicken leaving a crispy skin.
According to the USDA recommended cooking temperatures, the safest internal temperature for cooking all types of poultry products is 165°F. This is the interior temperature that the meat will read at once removed from the heat source. You can use a food thermometer, which will be poked into the thickest part of the chicken to read the temperature.

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Tips And Tricks For Making The Best Baked Chicken Legs

Here for the right pan: Because these guys are thick and saucy, youll want a sheet pan with high sides to keep all the juices in and large enough so the chicken isnt drowning in the sauce. To get the best caramelized texture, the chicken should stick out of the sauce a bit while cooking.Foil it up: Make sure you carefully line the pan with foil so you avoid a sticky mess during cleanup.Sauce, sauce everywhere: This sauce is so good you may be tempted to bathe in it. Fair warning. I recommend serving the chicken legs with rice and steamed vegetables, and douse those well in the sauce, too. Check the temperature: To make sure the chicken is actually done, use this affordable instant read thermometer. Better safe than sorry!Slow cooker friendly: Hallelujah, this recipe IS slow cooker adaptable. I use a ½ cup of ketchup, honey, and soy sauce instead of the portions in the instructions, and it turns out a little less sticky, but just as flavorful and heavenly.Slow cooker friendly: Hallelujah, this recipe IS slow cooker adaptable. I use a ½ cup of ketchup, honey, and soy sauce instead of the portions in the instructions, and it turns out a little less sticky, but just as flavorful and heavenly.

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Oven Baked Chicken Legs

I love buying a large pack of chicken legs because theyre cheaper than other chicken cuts. Chicken legs are easy to cook and most kids love them.

These oven baked chicken legs use a few simple spices that you probably have in your pantry right now. Its an easy dinner recipe that works well with roasted vegetables, rice or quinoa. This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 40-50 minutes to bake.

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This Is The Easiest And Best Way To Make Great Baked Chicken Thoroughly Pat The Chicken Pieces Dry With Paper Towels Then Coat Them With Oil And Season Generously With Salt And Pepper We Like To Add A Little Fresh Chopped Rosemary As Well But You Can Substitute Fresh Thyme Or Oregano Bake The Chicken On A Wire Rack On An Aluminum

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10skin-on chicken legs
1tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonfinely chopped fresh rosemary

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

I set out to make the perfect baked chicken legs and after many batches settled upon what I found to be the best suited marinade and baking method. While the others were good, things like a simple seasoning left us craving more bright flavor, and a sweet and sticky asian marinade baked in a baking dish left us wanting more browned flavor and crispy skin.

Chicken, lemon, garlic and fresh herbs are always a combination you cant go wrong with and this recipe is proof. Simple fresh flavors are usually the best flavor enhancers.

And of course youll appreciate how easy this is! Just blitz together a quick sauce in the food processor, marinate the chicken legs in it, then bake in the oven on a baking sheet until cooked through. So easy right?

With this recipe you have the option to serve them right from the oven with crispy skin, or at the end baste with the final 1/4 cup reserved sauce. Its a hard choice for me personally, thats why Ill leave it up to you.

Who can resist that crispy chicken skin, but you may also love the extra flavor of that herb sauce . So you may just opt to serve the remaining chimichurri sauce tossed with a vegetable side dish instead .

Either way you are going to LOVE this chicken!

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Can You Freeze Raw Drumsticks

Absolutely! You can freeze raw chicken for up to 9-12 months for best results. Simply lay the drumsticks on a parchment lined sheet pan in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once solid, you can move them to a freezer bag for more compact storage.

TIP:If you like, you can brush with butter and season the chicken legs before freezing. That way there is virtually no prep before baking later.

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs

In a 400 degree oven baked chicken drumsticks take about 35 to 45 minutes to cook through depending on their size. Heres the how to for this recipe:

Move oven rack up one level from center and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray .

Bake drumsticks in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and turn drumsticks to opposite side.

Return to oven and continue to roast until cooked through about 20 to 25 minutes longer.

Tip during baking: If you find the legs havent quite browned enough then broil during the last few minutes. If they are over-browning you can loosely tent with foil near the end.

For crispy skin, serve as is, or for more flavor brush with the remaining unused 1/4 cup chimichurri herb mixture . If you dont end up using that remaining 1/4 cup then toss it with a vegetable side such as roasted red potatoes or corn.

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