Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these Easy Baked Chicken Legs are a hassle-free dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfectly seasoned for a crispy and flavorful bite.
- A versatile dish that pairs well with any side.
- Kid-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or preferred oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 chicken leg drumsticks, patted dry with a paper towel
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken legs on the baking sheet, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between each drumstick for even cooking.
4. Bake
- Bake the chicken legs uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- For crispier skin, continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes if desired.
5. Rest and Serve
- Transfer the chicken legs to a serving platter, cover loosely, and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: ~301 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a kick.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Citrus Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the drumsticks before baking.
- BBQ Style: Brush the chicken legs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Asian-Inspired: Mix soy sauce and a touch of honey into the seasoning for a sweet-savory glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through, or use an air fryer for a crispy reheating option.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken legs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes, thighs and wings work well; adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How do I ensure crispy skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and bake uncovered at a high temperature.
3. Can I marinate the chicken legs?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken in the oil and spices for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
4. What sides pair well with baked chicken legs?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
5. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
7. Can I add more spices?
Feel free to customize the seasoning blend with your favorite spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika.
8. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the chicken legs in advance and reheat before serving.
9. Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
Flipping is optional; however, turning them halfway through can promote even browning.
10. Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly. Pair it with keto sides like cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Chicken Legs are a flavorful, versatile, and simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Try it today and savor the crispy, juicy goodness!
Print
Easy Baked Chicken Legs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the simplicity and flavor of Easy Baked Chicken Legs! These juicy drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and baked until crispy, making them an ideal choice for a quick, healthy, and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or preferred oil)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 6 chicken leg drumsticks (patted dry with a paper towel)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Seasoning:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Add chicken legs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place chicken legs on a baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each piece.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For crispier skin, cook a few minutes longer.
- Rest and Serve:
- Transfer to a serving platter, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with lemon wedges.
- Store Leftovers:
- Allow the chicken to cool and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 301 kcal
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