Description
This Easy Baked Chicken Legs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with a perfectly crispy skin. Coated in olive oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, these chicken legs bake in the oven to golden perfection in just 35 minutes. The simple process and minimal ingredients make this an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin on)
Seasoning
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and move the rack to the middle position for even cooking. Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Place the drumsticks on the baking sheet and coat each piece evenly with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the smoked paprika over the skin and rub it in for even flavor coverage.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and the skin is crispy. If desired, switch the oven to broil for a few minutes at the end to further crisp the skin, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks results in tender, juicy meat and crisp skin. Removing the skin or using boneless pieces will alter the texture and cooking time.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity based on your taste preference for smokiness and color.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
