Description
This recipe for Baked Chicken Legs features juicy, flavorful drumsticks seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Baked at a high temperature for crispy skin and tender meat, this easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
Seasoning Mix
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dry the Pieces: Using a paper towel, thoroughly dry each chicken drumstick to remove any excess surface moisture. This step helps achieve crispy skin during baking.
- Season the Pieces: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the dried chicken drumsticks and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the chicken drumsticks evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and continue baking for another 7 to 10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 170 to 175ºF (77 to 79ºC) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and transfer to a serving platter for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures crispier skin.
- You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your flavor preference.
- Resting the chicken after baking allows the juices to redistribute for more tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to the recommended temperature.
- Leftover baked chicken legs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
