Oven Baked Chicken Legs With Honey
Not only is this one of my kids favorite ways to enjoy chicken, but this recipe is also on its way to breaking the internet! For real. I knew it was delicious and easy, but after being shared more than 250,000 times with oodles of reviews from people whove made them , I almost cant believe how much you guys are in love with this recipe!
I think what really knocks this recipe out of the park is the fact that chicken legs are so inexpensive and pack such incredible flavor, and the rest of the ingredients needed for this dish are probably ones you already have in your fridge and pantry. Score! Theyre a little bit sweet and a little bit salty, with just a hint of garlic on that sticky exterior. I mean Whats not to love?
How Long To Bake Chicken Tenderloins At 400
Chicken tenderloins may not take as long to cook at 400 degrees as chicken drumsticks. It depends on how thick your chicken is and how much of it youre putting in the oven at once.
How long to bake chicken tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?
Pieces of chicken like this tend to be relatively thin and will bake fairly quickly. If they are fully thawed, they can cook in about 20 minutes.
Tenderloins usually take 20 to 25 minutes, if you have a tray of those in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
If chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins are frozen, they will take longer to cook. How long to bake thin cutlets at 400 degrees if they are frozen? You should give them about 30 to 35 minutes.
This allows them both time to thaw out and to cook thoroughly. Once again, you can use the thermometer to check the internal temperature just to be sure.
Chicken strips and chicken tenders take about the same amount of time to cook. So, if youre wondering how long to bake chicken strips at 400, its about 20 to 25 minutes for thawed strips and tenders and 30 to 35 minutes for frozen ones.
What Temperature to Bake Chicken Legs
How To Bake Chicken Quarters
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on prep time, you can transform four chicken leg quarters or thigh-drumstick pieces into an irresistible oven-roasted chicken dish. Use these steps as a guide and come up with your own chicken leg quarter recipes by using seasonings you love.
Alternatively, you can bake the chicken leg quarters or thigh-drumstick pieces in a 375°F oven. Increase the baking time to 45 to 50 minutes. Either way, because chicken pieces vary in size, be sure to check the chicken for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Read Also: Microwave Oven Over The Range
What To Serve With Baked Chicken Legs
The ideas are endless to serve with baked chicken legs. I do prefer to keep the side dishes simple though.
Our family enjoys this easy 4 ingredient Parmesan Pasta. Yum. We also love mashed potatoes and green beans. It is simple but delicious.
Rice is also tasty. We actually keep this in the freezer so it is so easy on busy nights.
Learn how to freeze rice and you can make this meal even easier. I love to grab the rice from the freezer and we all can enjoy a really easy meal.
We do this for lots of meals and it helps put together a quick meal. If you are not freezing rice, it is such a time saver.
Sometimes we also add a simple side salad or learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for another easy side idea.
This meal is also good with asparagus. This oven roasted asparagus is a family favorite and it is very simple and quick to make.
Read Also: Air Fry Thin Chicken Breast
How To Make Baked Chicken Legs In The Oven
This section shows how to cook chicken legs in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, see the recipe card below.
I have 3 simple, but important, tips to ensure your crispy baked chicken legs turn out perfectly each and every time:
Also Check: Roast Brussel Sprouts In Oven
Line The Baking Pan With Aluminum Foil/ Parchment Paper
Instead of placing the chicken right on the baking pan, you can line it with foil first. This will avoid meat sticking on the pan and help with cleaning up later.
Just a reminder that the food can stick to the foil, so you may need to spray non-stick cooking spray on it. But, parchment paper is non-stick, so you do not need to spray anything if you use it.
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
This is just a great, simple baked chicken drumsticks recipe you can get in the oven quickly. A 3-ingredient seasoning adds terrific flavour and colour. Meanwhile, the secret to a lovely crispy skin is a touch of baking powder. Dont believe me? Read the reviews in my Truly Crispy Baked Chicken Wings which uses the same trick!
Read Also: Toaster Oven Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Helpful Tips For The Best Baked Chicken Legs
- Be sure to adequately season with salt in the marinade, we are using several pounds so theyll need a fair amount. The reserved sauce wont need very much.
- Use a dark baking sheet if you have one to encourage browning. Also roast one level up from the center.
- Still every oven is a little different so if you find they havent browned to your liking at the end then simply broil during the last few minutes, just keep a close eye on them.
- I recommend using larger chicken drumsticks here so you get more meat. It will also allow more baking and browning time to use larger ones.
- If you want crispy skin, hold the remaining marinade, if you want even more flavor use the extra reserved marinade .
- Test center of the legs to 165 near bone of thickest portion to ensure theyve cooked through.
- Soak the pan in water for easy clean up.
The Simplest Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks
Oven-baked chicken drumsticks ) are a simple, easy, and delicious weekday dinner! These are baked drumsticks, and then broiled in the oven on a baking sheet to achieve that crispy skin. Flavorful, juicy, and oh so tender drummies are a family favorite! I serve these baked chicken legs alongside my brown sugar-glazed carrots and my family goes nuts!
School is in full swing in our home, fall is in the air, and schedules have turned from the lazy days of summer to the busy days of another school year. Truthfully, I like schedules and knowing what is happening from day to day. But I don’t like how busy it can be and how difficult evenings are on getting a decent meal on the table.
Eating a decent meal together as a family at least a couple of times a week is important to me, but gosh darn…it can be hard! Everyone seems to be off in their own directions, these days. These chicken drumsticks in the oven is an easy meal idea that is perfect for those busy weeknights. Serve it with mashed cauliflower and a quick salad and you have a delicious and healthy meal. Score! High-five. Go you!
Read Also: Cookies Baking In The Oven
Can I Use Chicken Thighs To Make This Recipe
Yes, you can. I suggest using bone-in chicken thighs. I prefer skin-on chicken for this type of dish. The skin serves as a layer of protection to prevent the meat from drying out and creates a crispy exterior. Thats a win-win!
You can also use whole chicken legs with the thigh attached .
If you love baked chicken try my Oven Roasted Blackened Chicken.
Do You Cover Drumsticks When Baking
Do you cover drumsticks in the oven? No, you should not cover them. You want the skin to brown, and you want the chicken roasted. The drumsticks should be left on the bottom rack of the oven. I like to roast them for about 45 minutes, but you can do it longer or shorter depending on how you like your chicken.
If youre like me and want to get the most out of the roast, I recommend roasting it for at least an hour and a half. The longer it roasts, the more tender it will be and the better itll taste. Ive also found that its best to let it rest for a few minutes after you take it off the heat, so that the juices dont run down the sides and get all over the place.
Recommended Reading: Kenmore Elite Double Oven Range
How To Make Baked Chicken Legs
I purposely made this recipe as easy as possible with the simplest of ingredients. After the 10 minutes of prep work, this turns into the easiest recipe ever. Just let the oven do the work! While the chicken legs bake, you can make whatever sides you like so by the time you pull them out, dinner can be served right away.
With Frozen Chicken Legs
If you wonder how long you can cook frozen chicken legs in an oven at 350, I am afraid you have to defrost them first. There are 3 main reasons why you should not cook frozen chicken in the oven.
Firstly, cooking frozen chicken damages the texture since the heat can burn the outside, but the inside may still be cold. Secondly, you cannot marinate frozen chicken as it does not absorb the seasonings, so your recipe may be ruined.
Also, it can take much longer to cook frozen chicken. According to USDA, cooking time for frozen meat will be roughly one and a half times longer. For instance, if fresh chicken legs take 40 minutes to cook in the oven at 350, the frozen one will need 60 minutes.
As for thawing frozen chicken, you should pay attention since improper methods can cause bacteria to grow. After fully thawing, you can cook the chicken legs normally. Below are the safest ways to defrost frozen meat you should try.
| Method |
| 6-8 minutes per pound |
Using Refrigerator
To defrost chicken meat in the refrigerator, you should keep the meat well-wrapped in a zip bag. Then move the meat from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it gradually thaw.
Using Cold Water
Wrap the meat well in a zip bag or an airtight bag. After that, submerge the meat in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes.
Using Microwave
The last recommended way is to use the microwave. You should take the meat out of the bag and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
Also Check: Breville Air Fryer Toaster Oven
How To Cook Chicken Legs In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to cook chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer. It heats up quickly, but its an important step! Pat the chicken dry while you do this.
- Make compound butter. Use a fork to mash together butter, garlic, parsley, and sea salt.
- Season underneath the skin. Run your hand under the skin of each chicken leg to separate it from the meat, then place a dollop of butter underneath and press gently so that it spreads out.
- Season over the skin. Sprinkle smoked paprika, pepper and more salt on the drumsticks.
FYI: Were putting the butter underneath the skin so that it wont burn. Its what makes the meat super juicy!
- Air fry chicken. Place drumsticks in the air fryer in a single layer, skin side down. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 8-10 minutes.
TIP: Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
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
Read Also: How To Clean Burnt Oven
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
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.
Read Also: Grilled Cheese In Air Fryer Oven
Why Use The Oven To Cook Chicken Legs
The cooking method influences the quality of the food regarding flavors and nutritional value. The oven is one of the best ways to handle chicken legs. If you want to try whether you can eat cold chicken or not, oven-baked chicken legs are a good way to find out.
Cooking in the oven does not require you to use much oil compared to using a frying pan, making the food healthier. Also, it is more convenient when the whole meat is heated in the oven, whereas you have to keep your hands busy when using the frying pan.
While using the oven is a conventional way to cook chicken, the air fryer is more modern and convenient. You can also consider using an air fryer if possible.
However, the oven still outweighs the air fryer in some ways. The air fryer has much less capacity than the oven, so the oven is the better choice for large batches.
In addition, the air fryer needs oil, but the oven does not. Thus, the oven is the healthier option to choose.
How To Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Recommended Reading: Easy Oven Mac And Cheese
Oven Roasted Chicken Legs
This post may contain affiliate links which wont change your price but will share some commission.
- Polish Meatballs – May 9, 2022
Oven Roasted Chicken Legs either thighs, drumsticks, or even whole can be the easiest dinner one can make when the time is scarce. 5 minutes prep time is all youll need.
After youre done with this recipe you may want to check my Slow Roasted Whole Chicken Legs witch is also super delicious but requires more baking time.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy HERE.
I decided to make this very easy Oven Roasted Chicken Legs recipe for the blog because a number of people have asked me how to cook a simple chicken in the oven. For some of you, this may seem fairly basic, but I know of more than a few vegetarians out there struggling to cook meat for their families. And if youve ever under/overcooked a chicken, perhaps this can be a help.