Crispy Baked Chicken Legs | Oven Baked Chicken Leg Recipe
Crispy baked chicken legs with golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Easy oven-baked drumsticks perfect for weeknight dinners.
Pat your drumsticks dry with paper towels . Make sure they're really dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the drumsticks and toss until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp the chicken on all sides. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Bake at 425°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin should be blistered and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Serve as-is or toss in your favorite sauce.
Notes
For even crispier skin, season the drumsticks and refrigerate them uncovered on the rack for 1–8 hours before baking. It dries the surface beautifully. This step is a tiny bit fussy, but worth it.