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This roasted chicken drumsticks recipe couldn’t be easier! Sometimes simple is best, and when it comes to oven baked chicken legs, that couldn’t be more true. They are incredibly crispy, flavorful, and delicious, but they also only take 10 minutes to prep. I’m excited to show you how to cook chicken drumsticks using my favorite method, all my tips and tricks for cooking chicken legs in the oven, what to serve with them, and more. This post has everything you need to know!
This is one of my favorite chicken leg recipes, but if you want to cook other cuts of chicken, try baked chicken breast, air fryer chicken wings, roasted chicken thighs, baked chicken leg quarters, or browse more chicken recipes here.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
- Super crispy skin on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Flavorful and simple spices for seasoning
- Just a few minutes active prep time
- No need to wait for a marinade (there isn’t one!)
- Healthy protein-packed chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baked chicken drumsticks, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
This crispy oven baked chicken legs recipe is simply seasoned. You’ll need…
- Chicken Drumsticks – Bone-in and skin-on, of course. Try to choose ones that are uniform in size, so that they cook at the same rate.
- Butter – Not only does this help make them more crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, but it also helps the seasonings stick. Butter has a lower smoke point so I don’t usually use it for roasting, but I love the flavor that it gives this recipe and haven’t found any issues with it. If you’re concerned about it, feel free to use ghee, olive oil, or avocado oil instead. Spraying with cooking spray would also work, but I prefer to avoid the chemicals.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a delicious smoky flavor, as well as color. Feel free to swap in regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic Powder – We’re using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, as the latter would burn. If you wan tto use fresh garlic, it’s best to put it in a compound butter underneath the skin instead, like I do with air fryer chicken drumsticks.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
SEASONING VARIATIONS: Want to change up the basic chicken drumsticks recipe? Try replacing the seasonings with Italian seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning, or add them in addition to the above. If your seasonings contain salt, reduce or omit the salt added separately. You can also make complimentary additions to the above seasonings, such as oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or even chopped fresh herbs.
How To Make Baked Chicken Legs In The Oven
This section shows how to cook chicken legs in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
I have 3 simple, but important, tips to ensure your crispy baked chicken legs turn out perfectly each and every time:
- Dry the drumsticks. This helps get the skin crispy.
- Use a baking rack. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken.
- Roast at high heat. The best baked chicken legs oven temp is fairly high (425 degrees F), which helps crisp up the skin. Plus, I find that higher temperatures are less prone to drying out the meat.
How To Prepare Chicken Legs For Baking
Your prep for oven roasted chicken legs is centered around encouraging air circulation to get them crispy.
- Prep the oven and pan. Preheat the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil (for easy clean up!) and place an oven safe rack over the sheet pan. (I like this set – it’s non-stick, so easy to clean.) I prefer foil rather than parchment paper for lining underneath the rack, because it catches the juices more easily.
TIP: The oven rack helps circulate the hot air around chicken, for the best baked chicken drumsticks that are nice and crispy!
- Dry the chicken. Pat the drumsticks with a paper towel, which will help get rid of any extra moisture and get them nice and crispy.
How To Season Chicken Legs
- Brush with butter. Brush the chicken legs on all sides with melted butter, or drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer.
- Season the drumsticks. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
TIP: You can season in the chicken in a large bowl if you prefer. Simply pour the melted butter over the chicken in the bowl, add the seasonings, and toss to coat.

How To Bake Chicken Legs
- Bake. Cooking chicken legs at high heat will get them crispy, just how we want them.
TIP: For best results, flip the chicken legs halfway through baking, which will help them crisp up more and cook more evenly.
- Rest. Let the baked chicken drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps seal in the juices and ensure that they stay moist on the inside.

How Long Do You Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven?
For average sized drumsticks, I recommend a cook time of 35-45 minutes at 425 degrees, flipping halfway through. The exact time will vary a bit, due to varying oven temperatures as well as drumstick size.
Whether you are cooking chicken legs in the oven or using just about any other method, they should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F; some people prefer 170 degrees F for more tender meat. Either way, here is the meat thermometer I use and recommend.
Nutrition Overview
The full nutrition info is below, but these are the answers to common questions about this recipe…
Are Baked Chicken Drumsticks Healthy?
Yes, easy baked chicken legs in oven is a healthy way to cook drumsticks. They are a great source of essential amino acids, and several vitamins and minerals as well. Being higher in fat, drumsticks are a great choice for a keto lifestyle.
How Many Calories In A Baked Chicken Leg?
A baked chicken leg using this recipe has 236 calories, which includes the butter we brush on top. The calorie count will vary based on size.
How Much Protein In A Chicken Leg?
An average chicken leg has 22 grams of protein, but it will vary a bit depending on their size.
Storage Instructions
Store this easy chicken drumstick recipe in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze Raw Drumsticks?
Absolutely! You can freeze raw chicken for up to 9-12 months for best results. Simply lay the drumsticks on a parchment lined sheet pan in a single layer and place in the freezer. Once solid, you can move them to a freezer bag for more compact storage.
TIP: If you like, you can brush with butter and season the chicken legs before freezing. That way there is virtually no prep before baking later.
Can You Freeze Baked Chicken Drumsticks?
Yes, you can freeze this oven roasted chicken legs recipe after baking if you like. It will last several months. However, the recipe is so quick and easy that you don’t save a lot of time by freezing. I’d opt for freezing the raw drumsticks instead and making them fresh when needed.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftover chicken in a 350 degree F oven for best results. The oven baked chicken legs will be crispier and better if you bake them to reheat them, but can also be microwaved in a pinch.
TIP: If the skin is not crisp after reheating, you can place under the broiler for a minute or two, until crispy. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
To reheat frozen drumsticks, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight (or for a few hours) and reheat in a 350 degree F oven for best results.

What To Serve With Chicken Legs
There isn’t much that doesn’t go with baked chicken drumsticks. If you want to turn it into a full meal, I recommend serving it with a vegetable side dish. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
- Southern Fried Cabbage – Serve up your oven roasted chicken legs with this cabbage recipe as a nod to a classic Southern combo!
- Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad – This salad has everything you want: crunch, sweet, salty, creamy! And everyone’s favorite ingredient. 😉
- Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto – This risotto can certainly stand alone as a meal, but pair it with baked chicken drumsticks for a balanced and well-rounded meal.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Tots – Making this baked chicken drumsticks recipe for the family? Everyone will be happy about this side dish.
- Almond Flour Biscuits – Remember that Southern cabbage side above? Add these for a REAL Southern meal. Just 4 ingredients!
- Oven Roasted Garlic Green Beans – Even my kids couldn’t stop eating these with their chicken.
- Easy Sauteed Broccoli – A great option if you want to make your side dish while you have your chicken legs roasting in the oven.
This chicken drumstick recipe is flavorful enough on its own, but feel free to serve it with BBQ sauce or other sauces you like with chicken.
More Easy Chicken Recipes Readers Love
- Juicy Chicken Breast – The best way to make chicken breast that’s juicy, not dry!
- Crispy Chicken Thighs – Just as easy as these chicken drumsticks.
- Crock Pot Whole Chicken – The slow cooker makes tender, fall-apart chicken with virtually no work. So good!
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – People rave about this one. They’ll be crispiest wings you’ve ever had.
Recommended Tools
- Instant Read Thermometer – How long do you cook chicken legs in the oven? The best and easiest way to tell when the baked drumsticks are done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Cook them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Baking Sheet with Cooling Rack – I love this baking sheet + cooling rack combo. The cooling rack elevates the chicken, for nice and crisky skin.
- Basting and Pastry Brush – One trick to the best chicken drumstick recipe? A brush of butter to coat the chicken.
How To Bake Chicken Legs
Baked Chicken Legs Drumsticks (Super Crispy!)
This 10-minute-prep easy oven roasted chicken drumsticks recipe will make SUPER crispy baked chicken legs that turn out perfectly every time!
Recipe Video
Tap on the image below to watch the video.Like this video? Subscribe to my YouTube cooking channel for healthy recipes weekly! (Click the bell icon to be notified when I post a new video.)
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven safe rack on top. (I use this set, which includes the baking sheet and rack that fits perfectly.)
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Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels, which will help them get crispy. Arrange the chicken legs on the rack.
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Brush the chicken drumsticks with melted butter. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Bake the chicken legs in the oven for 25 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 drumstick
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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163 Comments
Hilary
0I dried them, sprayed it with avocado oil, added the spices and cooked as directed, on a rack in my sheet pan lined with foil, but the skin was not crispy at all. Skin was flabby and gross. Would not cook legs this way again.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Hilary, If they weren’t crispy, they needed to be baked for longer.
Pat
0Wow, what a tasy great recipe for chicken legs. I followed instructions to the “T” and my chicken turned out crispy & juicy! I’ll definitely be making it again!!! Yum!!
Emmy Jarvis
0I love this recipe..I used chicken drumsticks..patted them dry, I used avocado oil, not butter, I rubbed the seasonings on all sides..I used paprika, onion powder, Sea salt. Oregano & lemon pepper seasonings..baked them at 425 for about 45 minutes because they were large pieces.. I will make these again!!
Kerri
0This is my go-to chicken leg recipe it never fails and it’s so easy
Jill Schacter
0Love this recipe. One of my staples. Delish! And so easy.
Ed Silver
0This was really delicious. But it was not crispy. I thought I followed the directions carefully but somewhere I went wrong. I am not a cook but I am the food preparer in our home. My wife loved it as well.
Jen
0The cook time was perfect but they weren’t crispy at all and I wanted more flavor so when they were done baking I brushed more melted butted over them, sprinkled some more salt and added a touch of garlic powder then broiled on high for 1 min on each side. Crisped right up and were delicious!
Tish
0I made this recipe today with 11 very large drumsticks. I didn’t measure the seasonings but just liberally sprinkled them on the drumsticks. It took 1.5 hours at 425 degrees for the chicken to reach 165 degree internal temperature. They were moist and juicy inside, not as crispy outside as expected from the description, but very tasty nonetheless. My family really enjoyed them, and I expect to repeat this recipe a lot. I’m going to try the seasonings on chicken breasts, thighs and wings as well.
Rob Huntley
0My wife and I are going to start the Keto diet is there anything you can help us with to start. Many thanks.
Jean
0I have no smoked paprika but have plain paprika. Any substitution?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jean, That would work.
priscilla marban
0can we an air fryer for this? thanks.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Priscilla, Yes, an air fryer would for this recipe too.
Ray Dombroski
0Quick, easy and tastes great.
Lisa
0Super easy! I love being able to adjust the serving size. The seasoning is just perfect. Where has Smoked Paprika been all my life? I was able to make a whole pack of drums for family visiting. Paired with my yummy Cauliflower mash and some green veggies. Great Dinner or lunch w/ left overs.
Rickie Korndorffer
0I had this for lunch. Absolutely Delicious. Great quick meal.
Barb
0No taste, very bland. Not crispy, bake longer some were still raw inside. I put them in the air fryer for 10 more minutes.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Barb, Sorry this recipe didn’t meet your expectations. I’m happy to help you troubleshoot. Did you have your oven set to 425 degrees? If you did and they were not crispy or done, it means they needed to cook for longer. The time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the chicken legs.
Sue
0Where do I place my oven rack for this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Sue, Place it in the middle.
Tabatha Dean
0WOW!!! I did it actually the way you said, and it turned out crispy and juicer than I thought it would. I used olive oil instead of butter. They are delicious and didn’t dry out. I’ve never cooked chicken on 425 before because I thought that they would burn or dry out, but neither happened. Thanks for sharing.
Linda Smith
0This chicken was delicious! Would never have thought baking it at 425 wouldn’t dry it out, but it didn’t. I’m usually a thigh girl but legs were on sale and these were so good!
Linda Smith
0Can’t wait to try this recipe with some chicken legs I have in the freezer!
Isabella
0I really like chicken but haven’t been able to cook it the best I could. This is a very easy recipe thank you.
Jeannine
0I couldnt find the recipe so i winged it with amounts. Came out great. Didnt have a rack so washed the oven rack good and put the legs on it and put the baking sheet right below on next level down. Worked excellently. My only suggestion would be to put the recipe higher up in your column. I didnt look below the extra recipes til today. I didnt realize it would be so far down. But thats my fault for not continuing down.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jeannine, There is a jump to recipe button at the top of the page you can use to get right to the recipe card.
Tina
0My suggestion would be to double or triple the seasoning!
Tisha
0When I do a recipe like this I usually quadruple the seasoning and put it in a spice jar labeled. That way, I can have it all made up for the next time.
Janaye
0I followed the instructions, added a bit more seasonings, and the chicken came out perfect. This is my second time using this recipe and it’s definitely the best method for baking chicken with some crunch. Thanks for the recipe!
Michele
0Great recipe. Simple to make. Most of the time I always have the ingredients. Will make over and over. Thanks for the recipe.
Jessica
0They were delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Susan Siemers
0Loved this. So simple, and yet so tasty! I made six legs for “just me.” Ate two at each of three meals. Had a very small salad with blue cheese dressing on the side. Perfect meal.Thought they might not be so great reheated, but they were fine. I have a pizza oven in my Tulukivi fireplace, and when I’m only using the lower fireplace, the oven sits around 300 degrees. It was just the right temp for a long slow gentle reheat. Yum! and Wholesome!! 😉
Noreen
0Awesome and easy. My new go to recipe for chicken legs! Thank you so much!