Description
Baked Chicken Legs are an easy, flavorful dish with crispy skin, juicy meat, and a smoky garlic seasoning. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
6 medium chicken drumsticks (~1 1/2 lbs)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil or avocado oil)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top.
- Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. Arrange on the rack.
- Brush drumsticks with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake 25 minutes, flip, and bake another 10–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
- Optional: Broil for a few minutes for extra-crispy skin.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add cayenne or chili powder for spice.
- Sprinkle rosemary, thyme, or oregano for herbal flavor.
- Mix lemon zest into butter for a citrus twist.
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes for BBQ style.
- Mix honey with butter for a sweet-savory glaze.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 drumsticks
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
