Ingredients
6 chicken legs (about 1.75 to 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other high-heat cooking oil like canola or avocado oil)
2 teaspoons paprika (regular or smoked)
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon if using fine salt)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary or oregano
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
½ teaspoon ground mustard or ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra depth)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a mild kick)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels and trim any excess skin. Removing moisture helps achieve crispier skin.
3. Place chicken legs in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Add olive oil and toss or shake to coat evenly.
4. In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings. Add the seasoning mix to the bag or bowl with chicken and toss until thoroughly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange chicken legs on the sheet, ensuring they do not touch or crowd each other. This allows even cooking and crisp skin.
6. Bake on the middle oven rack for 40 minutes. Flip or turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
7. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C), but cooking to 185-195°F (85-90°C) breaks down collagen for extra juiciness and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍗 Thoroughly drying the skin before seasoning helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
🫒 Tossing chicken with oil before seasoning improves adherence and helps crisp the skin during baking.
📏 Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; leave space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 535mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 135mg