Baked Chicken Legs (Crispy, Easy Recipe)
These baked chicken legs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with simple pantry spices. An easy oven-baked recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 medium chicken drumsticks (~1 1/2 lb)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil or avocado oil)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and arrange them on the rack.
- Brush the drumsticks with the melted butter and season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and continue baking for 10 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F (77 degrees C).
- If desired, broil for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the skin further.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Olive oil or avocado oil can be used instead of melted butter.
- Patting the chicken dry helps achieve crispier skin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
