How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in the Oven for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking chicken legs in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this inexpensive and versatile ingredient. With the right technique, oven-baked chicken legs come out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. In this article, we’ll look at exactly how long to cook chicken legs in the oven to achieve the best results.

Oven Temperature for Chicken Legs

The first step in achieving perfectly cooked oven baked chicken legs is preheating your oven to the proper temperature. The ideal oven temperature for chicken legs falls between 375°F and 425°F. Setting your oven in this range will ensure the chicken cooks through without drying out.

Higher oven temperatures above 425°F will cause the exterior of the chicken to burn before the interior cooks through. Lower oven temperatures below 375°F will result in chicken that takes too long to cook leading to dry, overcooked meat.

So for the best, juiciest oven baked chicken legs, preheat your oven to 400°F before cooking. This temperature will crisp up the skin while keeping the meat moist and tender.

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs Based on Size

Once your oven is hot, the next thing that will affect how long the chicken legs take to cook is their size. Bigger, meatier chicken legs will take longer to cook than smaller, more delicate ones.

Here are general guidelines for how long to bake chicken legs based on size:

• Small chicken legs (4-6 oz each): 30-40 minutes
• Medium chicken legs (6-8 oz each): 35-45 minutes
• Large chicken legs (8-10 oz each): 45-55 minutes
• Extra large chicken legs (10-12 oz each): 50-60 minutes

A meat thermometer is the best way to tell if the meat is done. When chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they are done.

Do not use a meat thermometer. Instead, use a fork or knife to poke holes in the thickest part of the chicken. When they are done, the juices should run clear and not have any pink in them.

Seasoning and Basting for More Flavor

Seasoning your chicken legs before cooking is key for enhancing flavor. Simple seasoning blends like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work very well. You can also use herb blends, lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, or even barbecue dry rubs.

First, coat the chicken legs evenly with melted butter or olive oil to help the seasoning stick. For extra flavor, you could also put thin slices of garlic under the skin.

For even more moisture and flavor, brush the chicken legs with melted butter, olive oil, or your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. The sugars will caramelize and create a lovely glaze on the outer skin.

Bone-In vs Boneless Chicken Legs

You can cook chicken legs bone-in or boneless in the oven. Boneless will cook faster since the meat is exposed on all sides. Figure boneless chicken legs will take 10-15 minutes less time in the oven.

Cooking bone-in chicken legs takes longer but produces more flavorful, juicy meat. The bones help retain moisture and the marrow adds richness. Follow the size guidelines above for bone-in pieces.

Best Practices for Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Here are some top tips for achieving the best oven baked chicken legs:

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown better
• Use a broiler pan or wire rack to allow air flow under the chicken
• Bake in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices
• Brush with sauce at the end only to prevent burning
• Use an instant read thermometer to confirm doneness

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Cooking chicken legs in the oven is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare this tasty ingredient. Follow the guidelines above for oven temperature, cook times, and seasoning, and you’ll enjoy tender, juicy baked chicken legs every time. The savory chicken is perfect on its own or used in a variety of delicious chicken recipes.

Chicken drumsticks are typically baked uncovered to achieve crispy skin.