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–+ servings
Baked chicken legs plated on a white plate with lemons slices and chopped fresh herb garnish all resting on a white stone surface.
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5 from 2 votes

Baked Chicken Legs

Golden brown, tender, and perfectly seasoned, this flavorful chicken dish is easy to prepare for a delicious meal any night of the week.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 485kcal
Author: Dane & Becky

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks 8 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl, mixing well.
  • Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks, tossing to coat.
  • Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken and toss to coat the drumsticks.
  • Place chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time, until the chicken is cooked through to at least 165F-175F. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pre-mix your herb and spice blend. This seasoning blend can be prepared and stored for quick and easy meal prep. We like to store our blend in an empty spice jar.
If you would like extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is completely dry before tossing the legs in oil and adding the spice blend. Dry the chicken legs with paper towels and then chill uncovered in the fridge for an hour. The cold air will finish drying out the chicken. Then allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before seasoning.
Don't skip the oil. Rubbing the chicken legs with oil allows the spices to stick and improves the final taste and texture of this dish.
Make this dish your own. Experiment with the seasoning blend to fit your taste preferences. Add cayenne for more heat, or mustard powder for a more tangy flavor.
If you want to make this recipe using chicken thighs. Cook for 5 additional minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 288mg | Sodium: 762mg | Fiber: 1g