These baked chicken legs are so good, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds! With juicy, tender meat and crispy, golden skin, they’re packed with flavor thanks to a quick and easy spicy seasoning. In just 5 minutes, you can coat the chicken legs, bake them for about 30 minutes, and enjoy a meal that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely delicious, a perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd!
The first time I made baked chicken legs, I wasn’t expecting much. They seemed so simple, season and bake. But the results were better than I could have imagined, and now they’re a favorite in my weekly meals.
One evening, I needed a quick, fuss-free dinner. Using a zip lock bag made it super easy, I added chicken legs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mixed everything right in the bag with no mess. After letting it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes, I baked them in the oven. With just 10 minutes of prep, the kitchen was soon filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
When they were done, the chicken legs came out with crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. Everyone at the table loved them and said they’d be happy to have this meal any day of the week. Ever since, it’s been one of the easiest and most well-loved dishes I make.
These baked chicken legs work with so many sides, roasted veggies, rice, a green salad, or even mac and cheese. They’re versatile enough to fit into almost any meal, and they’re so simple to prepare that it’s easy to make them even on a busy day. If you’re looking for something that’s both easy to cook and guaranteed to please, these baked chicken legs are the answer. They’re the kind of meal that makes dinner feel comforting and satisfying, without requiring hours in the kitchen
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⭐Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken Legs
- Simple & Easy: This recipe is super easy, just toss the chicken legs with oil and seasoning, let them marinate for a bit, and bake. It's perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without much effort.
- Customizable Seasonings: You can also make the seasoning your own! Add some cayenne for heat or lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to brighten things up.
- Healthy & Versatile: Baked chicken legs are a healthier choice than frying, and they go great with any side dish—whether it’s roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s a meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Affordable & Crowd-Pleasing: Chicken legs are affordable and sure to please a crowd, whether you're feeding the family or having friends over!
🧾Baked Chicken Legs Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these baked chicken legs:
- Chicken Legs: I prefer bone-in chicken legs for this recipe because they cook evenly. The meat is tender and juicy due to the extra fat, and the seasonings soak in for a rich flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil to keep the chicken juicy and promote even cooking. It helps the skin get crispy and adds a mild, fruity richness without overpowering the spices.
- Seasonings: I season the chicken legs with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Salt enhances flavor and helps the skin get crispy. Black pepper adds mild heat and sharpness, while garlic powder gives a savory, umami flavor. Onion powder adds sweetness and balances the other spices. Smoked paprika brings a smoky depth and rich color, and chili powder adds a mild kick without being too spicy. Together, these spices create a well-rounded, flavorful chicken.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Baked Chicken Legs
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Dry the chicken legs with paper towels, put in a large zip-lock bag, and drizzle with olive oil and spice mix.
2. Close the zip-lock bag and rub mix it until evenly coated, let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Place the chicken legs on the baking sheet, then bake in a 400°F (200°C) fan oven for 30–35 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
🍽 What to Serve with Baked Chicken Legs
These oven-baked chicken legs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so easy to make!
Pair them with warm, crusty ciabatta or garlic bread to soak up any juices! Craving potatoes? Try creamy egg potato salad, smashed potatoes, crispy wedges, or fluffy bubble potato pillows.
For something fresh, a pasta salad, an avocado pear salad, or marinated tomatoes would be perfect.
Finish it all off with a sweet treat like lemon souffle or peanut butter mousse for a delightful ending!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Pat the Chicken Legs Dry: Dry the chicken legs with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during baking.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the chicken legs on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispy skin.
Marinate or Rest for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or rest it at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding cayenne pepper for heat, thyme or rosemary for freshness, or lemon juice for brightness to personalize the flavor.
Storage: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🐓More Chicken Recipes to Try!
Love these baked chicken legs? You’ll also enjoy these delicious chicken recipes:
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Bites
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients
- 9 Chicken Legs
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Chili Powder
Instructions
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken legs in a large zip-lock plastic bag. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over them.
- In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to mix.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken legs. Rub the seasoning onto the chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Let it marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Arrange the chicken legs on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F/200°C with a fan for 30–35 minutes.
- If you prefer extra-crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 3–5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing! The crispy skin and tender baked chicken legs were perfect. I'll definitely be making this again.