Chicken legs are an inexpensive and delicious cut of meat that is perfect for easy weeknight dinners. When baked in the oven, chicken legs become fall-off-the-bone tender on the inside with crispy, golden brown skin on the outside. But in order to achieve this balance of moist interior and crispy exterior, it’s important to bake the chicken legs at just the right temperature.
So what is the ideal temperature for baked chicken legs? After consulting professional chefs and testing out different oven temperatures myself, the consensus is that 400°F is the best temperature for baking chicken legs
Here’s why 400°F hits the baking temperature sweet spot:
Why 400°F is the Best Oven Temperature
Thoroughly Cooks the Meat
At 400°F, the heat efficiently penetrates the chicken leg from the surface all the way to the bone This prevents raw or undercooked spots, especially around the joint According to food safety experts, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to eradicate any harmful bacteria. The 400°F oven temperature ensures the chicken legs cook through fully.
Crisps the Skin
The moderately high heat also renders the fat under the skin, allowing it to get crispy and browned. If the oven temp is too low, the chicken skin will turn out flabby and limp. But at 400°F, the skin transforms into a browned, crispy, and flavorful crust.
Prevents Drying Out
While getting crispy skin is a priority when baking chicken legs, maintaining moist, juicy meat is just as crucial. The 400°F temperature bakes the chicken relatively quickly, meaning the legs don’t spend too much time drying out in the oven.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 400°F
Now that we’ve established 400°F as the ideal temperature, how long should the chicken legs bake? The baking time can vary a bit depending on the size and amount of chicken legs, but in general they take 40-50 minutes to fully bake at 400°F.
I recommend checking the internal temperature after 40 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to test the thickest part of the legs, but avoid touching the bone. When the thermometer reads 165°F, the chicken legs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
If they haven’t quite reached 165°F internal temperature after 40 minutes, return them to the oven for 5-10 more minutes until fully cooked. For extra-large chicken legs, tack on even more baking time as needed. And if the chicken legs are on the smaller side, start checking even earlier than 40 minutes.
The visual cues that indicate doneness are browned, crispy skin and meat that is opaque all the way through. Carefully cut into one of the legs to check that the meat is fully cooked with no traces of pink and the juices run clear.
How to Bake Chicken Legs Perfectly Every Time
Follow these simple steps for foolproof baked chicken legs with crispy skin and juicy meat:
1. Pat the Chicken Legs Dry
Before seasoning or baking, be sure to pat the chicken legs very dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture on the skin will cause it to steam rather than crisp up.
2. Generously Season the Chicken Legs
For maximum flavor, coat the chicken legs all over with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, or any other seasonings you love.
3. Preheat the Oven to 400°F
Always preheat the oven fully before baking chicken legs. Preheating allows the oven to reach the proper temperature rather than trying to play catch-up.
4. Arrange on a Lined Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. You can also place the legs on a wire rack set on the baking sheet to maximize airflow and crispiness.
5. Bake for 40-50 Minutes
Pop the seasoned chicken legs in the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes until cooked through and crisp.
6. Check Internal Temperature
Test the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
And that’s all there is to it! Follow this simple baking method for irresistibly juicy, tender chicken legs with crispy bronzed skin every time. Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken legs alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or your other favorite side dishes.
Common Baking Questions Answered
If you’re new to baking chicken legs, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should I flip the chicken legs while baking?
Flipping isn’t necessary. As long as they’re evenly spaced out on the baking sheet, the heat will circulate properly and cook them through.
Can I bake frozen chicken legs?
You can bake frozen chicken legs, but increase the baking time. And thaw them in the fridge first for best results.
What about marinating?
Absolutely! Marinating adds lots of flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Discard marinade before baking.
How do I get the skin extra crispy?
Pat legs super dry, use a high smoke point oil, and elevate legs on a rack. Broil at end if needed.
What if they burn on the outside before cooking through?
Lower oven 25°F and continue baking until done. Tent with foil to prevent further browning.
How should I store leftovers?
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What sides go well with baked chicken legs?
Some delicious pairings are roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, salad, or cornbread.
The Takeaway on Baking Chicken Legs
For baked chicken legs with perfectly browned, crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat, an oven temperature of 400°F is just right. Bake for 40-50 minutes, then test for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Use these simple baking tips and guidelines to enjoy tender, juicy chicken legs with crispy skin every time! This straightforward method lets the flavor of the seasoning shine through while delivering ideal texture. Get ready to make baked chicken legs a regular mealtime staple.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts in this Recipe?
Dark meat chicken, like drumsticks and thighs, is very forgiving, especially when cooked with the bone-in and skin on. The skin helps hold in moisture, and the higher fat content of the meat helps it stay tender and juicy. Chicken breast needs a slightly different technique because it’s a leaner cut of meat. I only recommend swapping the drumsticks for bone-in, skin-on thighs when using the method in this recipe.
For a bone-in, skin-on chicken breast I suggest using the method in my herb roasted chicken breast. Boneless skinless chicken breast should be cooked using the method in my baked chicken breasts recipe.
Other Seasoning Ideas for Baked Chicken Drumsticks
I used a very classic mix of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano for this chicken drumsticks recipe, but you can literally use any seasoning blend you like for this. There is so much flexibility! Here are a few ideas for seasoning your oven-baked chicken drumsticks:
- Ranch seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic Herb seasoning
- BBQ (use the dry seasonings in the recipe below and then brush with BBQ Sauce in the last 15 minutes of baking).
- Teriyaki
- Jerk seasoning
- Taco seasoning
Want some sauce for dipping? Try these delicious sauces with your chicken drumsticks:
- Use a meat thermometer. I always use a meat thermometer to double-check my chicken is cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat once the thickest part of the meat registers at least 165°F. However, it’s recommended that chicken drumsticks should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F for optimal tenderness.
- Flip them halfway through. To ensure even cooking and crispy skin, I always flip my drumsticks halfway through baking. It helps all sides to get golden brown and delicious!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray. There should be enough space between each drumstick so they can cook evenly and the skin can crisp up. If your tray is too small, use two trays or bake in batches.
- Double up on the seasoning mix. If you decide to use the seasonings I’ve listed in the recipe card below, consider making a double batch! Some of our readers have shared that this blend tastes amazing on potatoes. I think it would be delicious on other roasted veggies, too.
How to make the BEST Baked Chicken Legs! – Baked Chicken Legs Recipe
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
How long do you cook drumsticks in the oven at 425 degrees?
At 425°F, chicken drumsticks need about 35-45 minutes to cook. After the first 25 minutes, flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. The exact time will always depend on the size of the drumsticks. Always judge doneness by the largest piece.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Do you bake drumsticks covered or uncovered?
Chicken drumsticks are typically baked uncovered to achieve crispy skin.