Oven baked chicken legs are the perfect easy dinner. Made with really simple ingredients and quick prep time, this will be a win with the whole family. Don’t forget to make my award-winning BBQ sauce to go with them!
Just like most families, mine thrives on easy dinner recipes. With multiple kids in multiple activities, we are very much on the go. But these chicken legs made in the oven, come together in a snap and are a dinner that the whole family will love.
Baked Chicken Leg Ingredients
Part of what makes this recipe so great for weeknights is how simple the ingredients are. With great flavor and crispy skin, you will return to this recipe often. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.
- Chicken legs: Their higher fat content compared to other cuts helps keep them tender and moist during cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while giving the skin a crisp texture when baked.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the seasoning blend and helps to caramelize the skin of the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a bit of heat to the dish.
- Salt and pepper
How to Bake Chicken Legs
Here is a brief overview of how this recipe for baked chicken legs comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Toss the Chicken with Olive Oil and Seasonings
After patting the chicken dry, toss it with olive oil. Then whisk together the seasonings, and rub them on the chicken legs so they are fully coated.
Bake the Chicken Legs
Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken halfway through baking and let it rest for a few minutes before eating.
Tips and Tricks
- Make a delicious BBQ Sauce for dipping. My homemade BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with this recipe, comes together in just 25 minutes, and has over 100 five star reviews.
- Use an instant read thermometer. For nearly every single meat recipe that I post, I suggest you use an instant read thermometer that can be left in the meat when it cooks. This allow you to go off of temperature rather than time, ensuring perfectly moist meat every single time. I recommend using this instant read thermometer, it is flawless and you can set it to alert you when it gets close to the desired temperature.
- In summer make these on the grill. This recipe is perfect for during the winter, but if you’d like to pull out your grill in summer, you can follow my Grilled Chicken Legs recipe.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through. Always use your best judgment when storing and reheating leftovers.
What to Serve with Chicken Legs
Round out your crispy baked chicken legs with these delicious side dishes.
If you make this baked chicken legs recipe or any of my others, I’d love to hear how you and your family enjoyed it! I would be so grateful if you left a comment letting me know.
Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 pounds chicken legs patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil.1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 – 5 pounds chicken legs
- Whisk together the spices. Generously rub the seasonings on the chicken legs.2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken for 35 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through baking or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (Optional: While the chicken legs are baking, make my homemade bbq sauce to go with them.)
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
mabel says
can this be made in a slow cooker?
I love making chicken legs in the crockpot with this recipe: Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks