Simple Baked Chicken Legs: Easy Recipe for Juicy Drumsticks

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Baked Chicken Legs RecipeSimple Baked Chicken Legs are a staple in many households, cherished for their juicy meat and crispy skin. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The history of baked chicken legs dates back to the early days of cooking, where simple seasonings and oven roasting brought out the best in chicken. Today, we continue this tradition, adding our twists and flavors. In this article, we’ll guide you through making deliciously simple baked chicken legs, sharing tips and variations along the way to ensure perfect results every time.

Ingredients

To make Simple Baked Chicken Legs, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

These ingredients are common kitchen staples, ensuring you can whip up this dish anytime without a special trip to the store.

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking chicken legs, ensuring they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  2. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking.

Seasoning the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
  3. Coat the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs and rub the spice mixture evenly onto each leg. Ensure they are well-coated for maximum flavor.

Baking

  1. Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Make sure they are not touching, allowing heat to circulate evenly around each piece.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. For optimal results, bake the chicken legs uncovered to allow the skin to crisp up nicely. If using thighs, adjust the baking time as they may require a few more minutes.
  3. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should easily separate from the bone.
  4. Optional step for extra crispiness: Switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Resting

  1. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips

  • Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400? Baking at 400°F (200°C) is recommended for crispy skin and tender meat. Baking at 350°F may require a longer cooking time and might not achieve the same crispiness.
  • How long does it take for drumsticks to cook in the oven? Typically, drumsticks take about 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Adjust based on size and desired crispiness.
  • Do you bake drumsticks covered or uncovered? Baking uncovered is ideal for crispy skin. If you prefer softer skin, cover with foil for the first half of the baking time and then remove it to crisp the skin.
  • Is it better to bake chicken with or without foil? Baking without foil helps achieve crispy skin. However, using foil can prevent the chicken from drying out if you’re concerned about moisture.

Variations

  • Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs: You can easily add chicken thighs to this recipe. Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure both cuts are cooked thoroughly.
  • Simple Baked Chicken Legs with Sauce: After baking, toss the chicken legs in your favorite sauce, such as BBQ, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce, for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Fall Off the Bone Chicken Drumsticks in Oven: For ultra-tender drumsticks, bake at a lower temperature (around 300°F) for a longer time, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, then broil for crispiness.
  • Saucy Chicken Drumstick Recipes: Incorporate your favorite sauces during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a sticky, flavorful glaze on the chicken.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on one chicken leg):

  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g

These values may vary slightly based on the size of the chicken legs and any added sauces.

Conclusion

Baking chicken legs is an easy and versatile way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can prepare Simple Baked Chicken Legs that are juicy, flavorful, and sure to please the whole family. Whether you enjoy them as they are or add a personal touch with sauces and spices, this recipe is a keeper.

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