Baked Chicken Legs

Oven baked chicken legs are the perfect easy dinner. Made with really simple ingredients and quick prep time, this will be a win with the whole family. Don’t forget to make my award-winning BBQ sauce to go with them!

overhead of platter of Oven Baked Chicken Legs with bowl of bbq sauce sitting beside - 4

Just like most families, mine thrives on easy dinner recipes. With multiple kids in multiple activities, we are very much on the go. But these chicken legs made in the oven, come together in a snap and are a dinner that the whole family will love.

overhead of raw chicken legs on a cutting board with small bowls of seasonings sitting beside to make Oven Baked Chicken Legs - 5

Baked Chicken Leg Ingredients

Part of what makes this recipe so great for weeknights is how simple the ingredients are. With great flavor and crispy skin, you will return to this recipe often. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.

Chicken legs: Their higher fat content compared to other cuts helps keep them tender and moist during cooking.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while giving the skin a crisp texture when baked.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the seasoning blend and helps to caramelize the skin of the chicken.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Cayenne pepper: Brings a bit of heat to the dish.
Salt and pepper

Overhead of glass bowl of chicken legs with olive oil drizzled on top to make Oven Baked Chicken Legs - 6

How to Bake Chicken Legs

Here is a brief overview of how this recipe for baked chicken legs comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Toss the chicken legs with olive oil. Be sure to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then toss with olive oil. This allows the seasonings to stick.
Whisk together the seasonings. Whisk together the seasonings then rub them on the chicken legs so they are fully coated. Then place the chicken legs on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake the chicken legs. Bake for 35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken halfway through baking and let it rest for a few minutes before eating.

overhead of foil lined baking sheet with seasoning chicken legs to make Oven Baked Chicken Legs - 7

Homemade BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for these crispy chicken legs. Not only is it super easy to make, but it is delicious. Skip the extra sweeteners and preservatives in store-bought BBQ sauce and make it from scratch. This allows you to adjust the flavor to be exactly how you like it.

This homemade BBQ sauce can be used in so many recipes. It can be made ahead of time and lasts in your fridge for up to two weeks.

Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

How Long to Bake Chicken Legs

Chicken is considered fully cooked when the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take approximately 35 minutes when baked at the hot temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit and will keep the meat tender and juicy with crispy chicken skin.

Because oven temperatures vary and cook differently, it is important to use an instant read meat thermometer to know exactly when your chicken legs (or any meat) are done. I share an awesome instant read thermometer below that can be left in the chicken while it is in the oven.

Instant-Read Thermometer

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through. Always use your best judgment when storing and reheating leftovers.

hand holding Oven Baked Chicken Leg dipped in small bowl of bbq sauce with platter of Oven Baked Chicken Legs sitting in background - 9

What to Serve with Chicken Legs

Round out your crispy baked chicken legs with these delicious side dishes.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Smashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Asparagus

If you make this baked chicken legs recipe or any of my others, I’d love to hear how you and your family enjoyed it! I would be so grateful if you left a comment letting me know.

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Ingredients

4 – 5 pounds chicken legs patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons paprika
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken legs with olive oil. 1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 – 5 pounds chicken legs
Whisk together the spices. Generously rub the seasonings on the chicken legs. 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the chicken for 35 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through baking or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (Optional: While the chicken legs are baking, make my homemade bbq sauce to go with them.)
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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