Crispy Baked Chicken Legs
Learn how to make the best baked chicken legs with perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat every time. This easy oven-baked recipe uses simple pantry seasonings and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 Roasting Pan with Rack Chefmade Pan
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks about 4 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Using a rack allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating extra crispy baked chicken legs.
Step 2: Dry the Chicken
- Pat each drumstick completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is one of the most important steps for achieving crispy baked chicken legs.
Step 3: Season
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
- In a small bowl combine:
- baking powder
- adobo
- kosher salt
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
- thyme
- cayenne
- Rub the seasoning evenly over every chicken leg.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the chicken legs on the wire rack, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175–185°F.
Step 5: Broil (Optional)
- For even crispier baked chicken legs, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end while watching carefully.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Legs
These baked chicken legs pair well with just about anything. Some of our favorite side dishes include:- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Rice stuffed peppers
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted broccoli
- Honey glazed carrots
- Caesar salad
- Crunchy Broccoli Coleslaw
- Dinner rolls
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans