Who doesn’t love a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious? These crispy oven-baked chicken legs are sure to become a family favorite. With a perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this dish promises to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
Best of all, it requires minimal prep and clean-up, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. So, preheat your oven and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken legs dry and trim any excess skin.
- Place the chicken legs in a large zip-top bag and add the olive oil. Seal the bag and shake to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the oil.
- Add the seasoning mix to the bag, reseal, and shake again to coat the chicken thoroughly with the spices.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for 40 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, though 185-195°F is preferable for maximum tenderness.
- Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to enhance juiciness and flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
FAQ
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken legs in advance by marinating them in the seasoning and olive oil mixture and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I do if I want to add some spice to the chicken legs?
- To add a spicy kick, you can incorporate ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. Additionally, using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika can enhance the flavor.
- Can I cook more than six chicken legs at once?
- Absolutely, you can double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe. Just ensure the chicken legs are not overcrowded on the baking sheet, keeping them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- What is the ideal internal temperature for baked chicken legs?
- While chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, for darker meat like chicken legs, aiming for 185-195°F will yield juicier and more tender results.
- How should I store leftover baked chicken legs?
- Store any leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their juiciness.
Tips
- To ensure the chicken drumsticks are well-seasoned, massage the seasoning into the chicken after shaking it in the ziptop bag. This helps the flavors penetrate deeper for a more savory taste.
- When arranging the chicken legs on the baking sheet, make sure they are not touching each other and are in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- For added flavor and a bit of heat, consider incorporating ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. You can also use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a richer taste.
- Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy meat when you serve it.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer
- Gallon-sized ziptop bags
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Non-stick cooking spray
