Cooking chicken legs and thighs can seem intimidating. With different cuts of meat like drumsticks, thighs, and leg quarters, it’s hard to know exactly how long to bake them so they turn out moist and delicious.
But have no fear! Baking chicken legs and thighs so they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor is easier than you think In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know to bake chicken legs and thighs to perfection
What Are Chicken Leg Quarters and Thighs?
Let’s start by clarifying exactly what cuts of chicken we’re working with when we talk about leg quarters drumsticks. and thighs
-
A chicken leg quarter contains a thigh still attached to the drumstick Sometimes it may also have a portion of the back attached. Leg quarters contain both white and dark meat.
-
A drumstick is just the lower portion of the leg. It’s oval-shaped with a bone running through the middle.
-
Chicken thighs are the upper portion of the leg. They are more rectangular in shape than drumsticks.
-
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are simply thighs with the bones and skin removed.
Tips for Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs
Baking chicken legs and thighs results in juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy browned exterior when done right. Here are some tips:
-
Pat the chicken dry: Remove excess moisture from the surface of the skin by patting it thoroughly with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin.
-
Use a baking sheet: Bake the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
-
Brush with oil: Coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil like olive or avocado oil to keep it moist and promote browning.
-
Season generously: Chicken legs and thighs can handle assertive spices and seasonings. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, herbs, etc.
-
Cook to 175°F: Chicken thighs and legs are best when cooked to an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F. This ensures tender, juicy meat.
-
Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it so the juices can reabsorb.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs and Thighs
The exact baking time depends on a few factors, like temperature and whether or not there is bone:
-
Bone-in chicken thighs or legs: Bake at 375°F for 40-55 minutes, until 175°F.
-
Chicken leg quarters: Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, until 175°F.
-
Boneless, skinless thighs: Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes, until 165°F.
These time ranges provide moist, tender chicken, but always verify doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked chicken legs and thighs every time:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
-
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place on prepared baking sheet.
-
Brush chicken all over with oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
-
Bake for 40-60 minutes, depending on thickness. Chicken is done when it reaches 175°F on a meat thermometer.
-
If desired, switch oven to broil for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
-
Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! With these tips and baking guidelines, you’ll never have to wonder how long to bake chicken legs and thighs again.
Flavorful Seasonings for Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs
Baked chicken legs and thighs are the perfect canvas for all kinds of herbs, spices, and flavor additions. Consider rubbing or marinating the chicken with these seasonings:
- Lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme
- Italian seasoning or oregano
- Smoked paprika and cumin
- Chili powder and cayenne
- Curry powder or garam masala
- Jerk seasoning
- BBQ rub with brown sugar and chili powder
Endless possibilities! Match the seasonings to the other recipe flavors.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
Here are some tips for preparing baked chicken thighs and legs to use throughout the week:
-
Bake a large batch on the weekend to use in meals all week long. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Portion the chicken into meal-sized servings before freezing for quick weeknight dinners later.
-
Shred leftovers to use in salads, wraps, soups or casseroles. The shredded chicken will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
-
Use already-cooked chicken leg meat in chicken salad sandwiches or on top of salads for an easy protein boost.
The Best Recipes for Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs
Baked chicken thighs and legs shine in all kinds of dishes. They pair especially well with flavors like lemon, garlic, herbs, chili powder, and bbq sauce. Try them in these delicious recipes:
-
Baked Lemon Chicken Leg Quarters – chicken marinated in lemony flavor
-
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks – with spicy Caribbean jerk seasoning
-
Baked Chicken Parmesan – breaded chicken baked with marinara and cheese
-
Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Thighs – with hot, sweet honey glaze
-
Chicken Tikka Masala Drumsticks – in fragrant Indian curry sauce
The possibilities are endless for turning chicken legs and thighs into mouthwatering meals. Now that you know exactly how long to bake chicken thighs and legs to juicy perfection, you can enjoy these flavorful chicken pieces any night of the week.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs?
For this recipe, chicken legs need about 35 to 40 minutes to bake at 425°F. For every 25°F decrease, the time should be 10 minutes longer. The most reliable to check if they’re done is still with a meat thermometer, but be careful not to touch the bone for more accurate reading. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the juices run clear when you poke the meat, but this can easily lead to overcooking.
How to Bake Chicken Legs in Oven?
Here’s a tip before baking: leave the chicken skin on while baking, even if you don’t eat it, which helps retain the moisture and keeps the chicken juicy. So, let’s get started:
Step 1: Preheat your oven. Set your oven to 425℉ (220℃) and preheat while you prepare the chicken legs.
Step 2: Season chicken legs. Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels, then put them in a ziptop bag along with the olive oil. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken in oil. Open the bag, add the seasoning mixture, and toss the chicken legs again to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Insert meat thermometer. If you have a wireless thermometer, you should insert it into the biggest chicken leg at this time, avoiding the bone. You can then get an alert when the temperature is reached, so you won’t need to keep opening the oven and risking overcooking. I would recommend the INT-12-BW since its short probe is perfect for smaller meats like chicken drumsticks or fish.
Step 4: Bake the chicken legs. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Arrange the chicken legs on the sheet, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking. Then, put the chicken legs in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to make the BEST Baked Chicken Legs! – Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
FAQ
How long to cook chicken leg with thigh in the oven?
- Arrange chicken thighs/leg quarters skin side up in a shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce on each piece.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour, until the skin is crisp and brown and the meat is ready to fall off the bones.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Do chicken thighs and drumsticks take the same amount of time to cook?
Chicken thighs and drumsticks should be cooked for about 40-45 minutes. The whole legs will take approximately an hour.