Baked Chicken Legs
Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks roasted at high heat with a savory smoked paprika rub. Crisp golden skin and succulent dark meat make this a dependable, flavorful dinner.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lb)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F before preparing the chicken. A fully hot oven starts rendering the skin quickly instead of letting the drumsticks sit in gentle heat.
- Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking oil. The foil catches rendered fat, while the light coating helps the browned skin release cleanly from the pan.
- Dry the drumsticks thoroughly, then place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and toss with the olive oil. The skin should look dry before oiling, with only a thin, even sheen afterward.
- Stir the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and onion powder together, then coat the oiled drumsticks with the mixture. Keep tossing until the spices cover the skin evenly, with no bare oily patches.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared sheet with 1 to 2 inches of space between them and roast uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for taut, deep golden skin and active sizzling; check the thickest part with a meat thermometer, reaching at least 165°F and preferably 175°F to 185°F for tender dark meat.
Notes
Texture tip: Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels and space them 1 to 2 inches apart on the pan so escaping steam does not soften the skin.
Doneness: While safe at 165°F, roasting dark meat to an internal temperature of 175°F to 185°F allows connective tissues to break down for maximum tenderness.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer arranged in a single layer to restore crispness without making the skin rubbery.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.