Simple Oven Baked Chicken Legs
A straightforward recipe for baking chicken legs until the skin is crisp and the meat is juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Pat the chicken legs completely dry using paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano.
- Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
- For extra crispiness, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the oil and spices for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator before baking.
- If you prefer a sheet pan meal, add chopped root vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the pan around the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness for safe eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken legs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 120