Chicken legs are an affordable, flavorful, and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in endless delicious ways With the right techniques, seasonings, and cooking methods, you can easily make incredibly tasty baked, roasted, grilled or pan-seared chicken legs at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook moist, juicy chicken legs with crispy skin every time.
Getting Started – Choosing and Preparing Chicken Legs
When buying chicken legs, look for legs labeled “drumsticks” or “leg quarters” with the skin on and bone in for the best flavor and texture. Chicken thighs can also be used in place of drumsticks in most recipes
Before cooking, rinse the chicken legs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for achieving crispy skin. Trim off any loose bits or excess fat and skin if desired.
Seasoning is Crucial
Proper seasoning is essential for delicious chicken legs. For simple baked legs, kosher salt and black pepper add great flavor. Other good seasoning options include:
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried thyme or oregano
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Poultry seasoning
For extra flavor, marinate legs for 30 minutes up to overnight in buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce or your favorite marinade.
Baking Chicken Legs to Perfection
Baking is a quick, easy method for cooking chicken legs with crispy skin and tender meat.
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
-
Pat the legs dry and coat all over with seasoning. Place on prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake at 425°F for 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
-
Let the legs rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baking at a high temp ensures crispy skin. Letting the legs rest allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.
Baking Tips
-
For even cooking, place legs on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air circulation underneath.
-
Convection ovens can decrease bake time to 30-35 minutes. Check internal temp.
-
Brush with barbecue sauce the last 5-10 minutes for sticky, saucy baked BBQ chicken legs.
Juicy Roasted Chicken Legs
Roasting chicken legs in the oven yields super juicy and flavorful results every time.
-
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a roasting pan or baking dish with foil.
-
Season chicken legs generously with seasoning blend. Place in pan skin-side up.
-
Roast for 40-50 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 185°F when chicken is pierced with a meat thermometer.
-
Optional: Scatter chopped vegetables like potatoes or carrots around chicken to roast everything together.
Pan Searing for Crispy Chicken Legs
Pan searing is fantastic for getting a nice golden brown crust on chicken legs.
-
Pat legs very dry and season all over. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Place chicken legs in the pan skin-side down. Cook 4 minutes until skin browns. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until 165°F internally, about 10 more minutes.
-
Serve pan seared legs with pan sauce made from the browned bits left in the skillet.
Grilled Chicken Legs Infused with Smoky Flavor
Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor to chicken legs.
-
Preheat gas or charcoal grill on medium-high. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
-
Coat legs with olive oil then season generously with dry rub or spice blend.
-
Place legs on grill skin-side down. Grill 10-15 minutes total, flipping every 5 minutes, until 165°F.
-
Move to cooler side of grill if flames flare up. Chicken legs pair great with bbq sauce – brush it on the last few minutes.
Mastering Doneness for Chicken Legs
The best way to ensure chicken legs are fully cooked but not dried out is to use an instant read thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat.
-
165°F is the minimum safe temperature but can be chewy.
-
For the most tender, juicy texture aim for 185°F internal temperature.
Let legs rest at least 5 minutes before biting into them to allow juices to redistribute.
Cooking Times for Chicken Legs
Cooking times vary based on thickness of cuts and oven temperature. As a general guide:
- 350°F oven: 50-60 minutes
- 375°F oven: 45-55 minutes
- 400°F oven: 40-50 minutes
- 425°F oven: 35-45 minutes
Always check internal temperature and adjust time accordingly. Convection ovens decrease time up to 10 minutes.
Delicious Ways to Serve Baked Chicken Legs
Baked, roasted or grilled chicken legs pair perfectly with so many sides. Try serving with:
- Rice or roasted potatoes
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Pasta or potato salad
- Baked beans or collard greens
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus
- Fresh green salad
- Corn on the cob, coleslaw, or cornbread
The possibilities are endless for turning simple chicken legs into a full meal!
Innovative Chicken Leg Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative with seasoning and recipes:
- Honey garlic chicken legs
- Chicken legs in creamy tomato sauce
- BBQ chicken legs – coat with your favorite bbq sauce
- Chicken legs with lemony herb sauce
- Chicken legs with pineapple salsa
- Chicken legs with roasted apples and thyme
- Mexican spiced chicken legs with avocado salsa
Experiment with global flavors, stir fry drumsticks, or bread and fry Korean style yangnyeom chicken. The options are limitless!
Leftover and Storage Tips
Here are some tips for storing leftover chicken legs:
- Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 4 months
- Cool fully before storing
- For best texture, reheat in oven or toaster oven, not microwave
With the proper techniques and recipes, you can easily make incredibly moist, flavorful chicken legs at home. Reference this guide for handy tips on preparation, seasoning, recommended internal temperatures, approximate cooking times and serving ideas. Master roasting, baking, pan searing or grilling for delicious, juicy chicken legs your whole family will love.
What Do You Put on Chicken Legs in the Oven?
Apart from olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can use any other condiments and herbs you and your family prefer. I have noted in the recipe below all the condiments and amounts I usually use when I prepare this recipe. You can, however, go for the main recipe or adapt it.
How to Store Chicken Drumsticks Leftovers?
To maximize the shelf life of cooked chicken legs, refrigerate them in shallow, airtight containers or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored, cooked chicken meat will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, trust me, they won’t last this long! My little monsters will eat them all during one family dinner.
Also, if you want to know more details about safely storing chicken and turkey meat, you can take a look at these guys’ tips and tricks.
Best Ever Baked Chicken Drumsticks – Easy Baked Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What is the best cooking method for chicken legs?
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken legs on baking sheet and place on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes, turning halfway. Chicken must have internal temperature of at least 165°(F), but 185-195°(F) is ideal for best results. Let rest for several minutes before serving.
How long does it take to cook chicken legs?
For baking chicken legs (drumsticks or thighs), a good starting point is 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes.
Is it better to boil or bake chicken legs?
Boiling Chicken Drumsticks results in tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken legs. You can serve them right after cooking or place them under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. Either way, the drumsticks are delicious!
What seasoning to put on chicken legs?
Combine paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix until evenly combined. Pour spice mixture into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag and toss to coat.
How do you cook tender chicken legs?
Basting: Basting your chicken legs with butter, oil, or marinade during cooking helps them stay moist and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Resting: After removing the chicken legs from the oven, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
How do you cook chicken legs in the oven?
Here’s how to roast chicken legs to perfection: 1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. 3. Arrange the Chicken Legs: Place the seasoned chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. 4.
How do you cook chicken legs on a barbecue?
Barbecue chicken legs: Arrange the chicken in a baking dish with store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce, similar to our baked barbecue chicken drumstick recipe. Cook the chicken at a lower temperature of 350° or 375° for 55 to 60 minutes to prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning.
What temperature should chicken legs be cooked at?
The sweet spot for juicy, tender oven-baked chicken legs is 185°F or higher. That’s when the connective tissue breaks down, making the meat moist and easy to eat. Technically, connective tissue starts to melt around 175°F, but by 185°F, you will get moist and tender results.
How do you cook chicken legs in a frying pan?
1. Heat Your Pan: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan. 2. Sear the Chicken Legs: Carefully place the seasoned chicken legs in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. 3.