how long to cook chicken legs in oven…Baked chicken drumsticks are a quick and convenient option for a delicious dinner! The skin becomes crispy in the oven, the seasoning is straightforward and delicious, and the chicken legs are always tender and moist.
These chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, moist and soft on the inside, and incredibly flavorful with each mouthful. Using only a handful of basic ingredients, we elevate average chicken legs into something exceptional.
This is a recipe that always gets me thrilled. It’s simple to prepare and consistently yields fantastic results. It can be easily adapted – you can increase the ingredients for a larger group, or add some spice for a game day treat. I’m confident that you will really enjoy this recipe!
how long to cook chicken legs in oven
Ingredients
This recipe is very simple – you likely already have all the seasoning ingredients in your pantry! The ingredients you will need are as follows:
Chicken drumsticks
Olive oil
Sea salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Onion powder
I enjoy using smoked paprika for seasoning as it adds a touch of smoky flavor to the chicken, similar to grilling. However, if you only have regular paprika, that will also suffice.
For chicken legs, you typically need to cook them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
PREPARATION
This recipe is incredibly simple. All you have to do is mix herbs and spices in a small dish, then put the chicken legs in a large ziplock bag and add olive oil. Seal the bag, shake it to distribute the oil evenly, then add the seasonings and shake the bag again to coat the chicken thoroughly. Massage the chicken for a minute or so to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
Take a break for a moment and preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Next, remove the chicken from the bag and place it on the sheet lined with foil. Then, place it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, the chicken will have a lovely golden hue, and the interior should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with an instant-read thermometer. In reality, it will likely register closer to 185-195 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the desired temperature.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS – STEP BY STEP PHOTOS
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
There are a variety of side dishes that you can serve with chicken drumsticks, depending on your preferences and the cuisine you’re aiming for. Here are a few options:
Mashed potatoes
Roasted or grilled vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers)
Rice pilaf
Coleslaw or a garden salad
Corn on the cob
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Potato salad
Baked beans
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match based on your tastes and what you have on hand!
CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED?
Yes, the recipe for chicken drumsticks can be doubled if you need to make more servings. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly and ensure that you have a large enough cooking vessel to accommodate the increased quantity. Enjoy cooking!
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