The Best Oven Baked Chicken Legs
Seasoned chicken legs are baked in a 400 degree oven to create the best drumsticks that are juicy with the crispiest skin.
Servings: 4
Calories: 281kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
- 1 baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8 drumsticks depending on size)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
- Pat the chicken legs with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Put the drumsticks in a large bowl and toss with the olivevoil and seasoning. Mix well so that they are well coated.
- Place drumsticks on the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until chicken skin is golden brown. Test with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature needs to be a minimum of 165 F but can go to 190F.
- Turn the oven on broil the last minute of cooking if you want extra crispy skin. Remove from oven and season with more salt and pepper to taste if desired before serving.
Notes
Substitute 1-2 TBS of your favorite seasoning if desired.
Chicken must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees but I find them juicy and tenderest at 180-190 degrees F.
If broiling at the end to make skin super crispy, keep an eye on the oven to make sure not to burn chicken.
Nutrition
Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 933IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg