Description
These crispy baked chicken legs are golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. With a flavorful spice rub and a baking trick for extra crunch, this easy oven recipe delivers fried chicken texture without the mess.
Ingredients
8 chicken legs (drumsticks, about 3 pounds total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon baking powder (for crispiness)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels.
Rub chicken with olive oil until evenly coated.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and baking powder.
Sprinkle seasoning mix over chicken and rub to coat well.
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer with space between.
Bake 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Baking powder is key for crispiness—do not skip.
Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
Use a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate for even crisping.
Avoid microwaving leftovers; reheat in the oven to restore crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
Keywords: crispy baked chicken legs recipe, baked chicken drumsticks, oven chicken legs