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Baked Chicken Legs

Chicken drumsticks baked in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. One of the easiest ways to cook chicken.

Gluten-FriendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-Free Main Dish
Prep: 5 min Cook: 45 min Total: 50 min Servings: 4 Difficulty: Easy

Allergens: None of the major allergens as written.

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Optional Extras

  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 425°F.
  2. Pat chicken legs dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. This helps the skin get crispy.
  3. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet. Rub with vegetable oil or melted butter.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder if you have them.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Check that the meat near the bone is no longer pink before serving. The juices should run clear.

Notes

  • Thaw first. Move chicken from freezer to fridge the night before. Cooking from frozen is possible but takes longer and won't get as crispy.
  • Serve with anything. Rice, mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, bread. Chicken legs go with everything.
  • Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep the skin crispy.