If you’re craving a simple yet bursting-with-flavor chicken dish, this Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe is exactly what you need to try today. Imagine juicy, tender chicken legs with a perfectly crispy skin, infused with the fragrant herbs of Italian seasoning and the rich aroma of garlic—all baked to golden perfection in your oven. This recipe is straightforward, approachable for any home cook, and incredibly satisfying to serve as a hearty family dinner or a delightful meal for friends. Let me show you how easy and rewarding it is to make this delicious dish that brings vibrant flavors straight to your table.

The image shows a white plate filled with several cooked chicken drumsticks arranged in a slightly overlapping way. Each drumstick has a golden brown color with darker roasted spots, a textured crispy skin with visible seasoning spots in black and green, and tiny bits of chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. The drumsticks vary in direction, some facing upward and some laying sideways, revealing the tender, juicy meat under the seasoned crust. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and a small brown bowl with green herbs is partially visible in the upper left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor and a gorgeous presentation. From the richness of olive oil to the aromatic Italian seasoning and the comforting punch of garlic powder, every element is essential in building the perfect crust and juicy interior of these chicken legs.

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds): Choose fresh, high-quality drumsticks for best taste and texture.
¼ cup olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisps the skin beautifully while adding subtle fruitiness.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings classic Italian flavors like oregano, basil, and thyme.
½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky depth to the chicken.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the legs with a deep garlic flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and herbs, adding savory notes.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat and earthiness.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish when garnishing.

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven rack in the middle position and heating the oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This simple prep step will make cleanup a breeze and help ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken Legs

Pat each chicken drumstick dry thoroughly with paper towels. This little trick removes excess moisture and is key for achieving that irresistible, golden, crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Season the Chicken Legs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and toss well until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning blend. This step ensures every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a little breathing room for even cooking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then flip each leg over to brown the other side and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. Look for a beautifully golden skin and check that the internal temperature reaches 170 to 175ºF (77 to 79ºC) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to seal in those juices before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot chicken legs to add a burst of vibrant color and herbaceous brightness. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes as fabulous as it looks.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe

Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a lovely traditional garnish for this dish, adding a fresh green contrast that makes the dish pop on the plate. For an extra touch, scatter some thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the richness. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right at the end also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

These chicken legs pair fantastically with simple, comforting sides that let their flavors shine. Think buttery mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, sautéed green beans or a cauliflower rice pilaf complement the herbs and garlic wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, arrange the chicken legs on a large wooden board and surround them with colorful roasted vegetables or a medley of olives and cherry tomatoes. You can also serve them on individual plates with a small serving of herbed couscous or quinoa, topped with a wedge of lemon for squeezing. This ensures an inviting meal experience that’s both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover chicken legs to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delicious chicken legs longer, wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy skin and juicy interior after storing, reheat chicken legs in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy. A quick blast under the broiler at the end can also help crisp things up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work just as well in this Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe. They have similar cooking times and absorb flavors beautifully. Just make sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.

Is it necessary to rinse the chicken before cooking?

It’s actually better to pat the chicken dry with paper towels without rinsing it in water. Rinsing raw chicken can spread bacteria around your kitchen, so drying it well is enough to prep for seasoning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Italian seasoning blend and any other ingredients do not contain gluten additives. Always double-check your spice mixes if you are cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe is mild and aromatic, focusing on herbaceous and savory notes rather than heat. If you desire a little kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

While a thermometer is best for perfectly cooked chicken, you can check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the leg and making sure the juices run clear without any pink. The skin should also be golden and crisp.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without any fuss. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and the flavor will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every bite of this delightful classic!

Oven-Baked Chicken Legs with Italian Seasoning and Garlic Recipe