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

Chicken legs are a budget-friendly and delicious cut of meat that are easy to prepare Often sold as drumsticks, these are the lower part of the leg with the meat still attached to the bone Chicken legs can be baked, grilled, sauteed and used in casseroles and soups. When baked in the oven, chicken legs get crispy brown skin and tender, juicy meat in the center. But how long should you cook chicken legs in the oven for the best results?

Factors that Determine Chicken Leg Cooking Time

What makes a big difference in how long chicken legs take to cook in the oven?

• Bone-in vs boneless – Chicken legs with the bone in will take longer to cook than boneless legs The bones act as insulation, protecting the meat from direct oven heat Boneless legs cook faster.

• Size: Chicken legs that are bigger and meatier will need more time than legs that are smaller and less meaty. When you add a thigh to chicken leg quarters, it will take longer than just a drumstick.

• Oven temperature—Chicken legs take less time to cook when the oven is hot. Temperatures from 350°F to 425°F are commonly used.

• Convection setting – A convection oven circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking. Reduce cooking time by 25% if using convection.

• Frozen vs thawed – Thawed chicken legs cook much faster than frozen. Frozen legs require significantly longer oven time.

How to Tell When Chicken Legs are Done

When baking chicken legs, you shouldn’t just rely on the cooking times. An instant read meat thermometer is the best way to tell when they’re done. When chicken legs are safe to eat and most juicy is when they reach:

• 165°F minimum for food safety
• 175-185°F for ideal tenderness

At these temperatures the collagen in the chicken fully melts, delivering tender meat that easily pulls away from the bone. Chicken legs will continue to get drier and tougher the more they overcook past 185°F.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, pierce a chicken leg to the bone with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear, they are done. However this is less reliable than using a thermometer.

Recommended Chicken Leg Cooking Times

Here are general guidelines for how long to bake bone-in, skin-on chicken legs in the oven:

At 350°F:

• 50-60 minutes (conventional oven)

At 375°F:

• 45-55 minutes (conventional oven)
• 35-45 minutes (convection oven)

At 400°F:

• 40-50 minutes (conventional oven)
• 30-40 minutes (convection oven)

At 425°F:

• 35-45 minutes (conventional oven)
• 25-35 minutes (convection oven)

For best results, select an oven temp of 400°F conventional or 425°F convection and cook drumsticks for 30-40 minutes until they reach 175-185°F internally. This gives crispy browned skin and moist, tender meat.

Always rely on an instant read thermometer for accuracy – not just estimated cooking times. Times vary based on exact size, bone-in vs boneless, etc.

Oven Tips for Perfect Chicken Legs Every Time

Follow these tips to ensure baked chicken legs turn out juicy and delicious:

• Pat chicken legs dry before baking to help the skin crisp up.

• Use a broiler pan or wire rack to elevate legs – this allows air flow for even cooking.

• Arrange legs so thicker parts face outwards on the pan edges.

• Brush on olive oil or rub with spices for extra flavor.

• For crispier skin, cook legs uncovered. Tenting with foil leads to soggy skin.

• Let chicken legs rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

Checking Doneness and Avoiding Overcooking

It can be tricky to tell when bone-in chicken legs are fully cooked without cutting into them. Here are some signs to look for:

• Meat has pulled back from the ends of leg bones
• Skin is deeply browned
• Meat feels firm when pierced all the way to the bone

Be sure to use an instant read thermometer to double check, especially if working with larger leg quarters. Chicken legs are easy to overcook since the thick bones insulate the meat. Pull them out of the oven by 175°F to avoid drying out.

If you find your baked chicken legs are slightly underdone, pop them back in the oven for 5 more minutes until cooked through without going past 185°F.

Flavor Variations for Baked Chicken Legs

One of the best things about oven baked chicken legs is how versatile they are. You can easily add flavor with just a few simple ingredients:

• Herbs and spices: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder

• Wet marinades: Italian dressing, yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice, wine

• Dry rubs: Barbecue, jerk, ranch, cajun, tandoori

• Sauces: Barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, honey mustard

Get creative and use your favorite seasonings to make these chicken legs your own.

Serving Suggestions

Baked chicken legs pair well with a variety of sides:

• Rice, quinoa, pasta, baked potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts
• Garden or caesar salad
• Corn on the cob, cornbread, rolls

They work for all kinds of meals from easy weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues and holiday feasts. Leftovers can even be used in sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Legs

Leftover baked chicken legs will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated and 4-6 months in the freezer. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to 165°F. The skin may lose its crispness when reheating but the meat will still be tasty.

Now that you know exactly how long to cook chicken legs in the oven, you can enjoy juicy, tender baked drumsticks any night of the week. Just be sure to use an instant read thermometer for safety and pull them before they dry out. With the right temperature and technique, oven-baked chicken legs will be a delicious addition to your dinner table.

The ideal baking temperature for chicken depends on the cut and desired outcome.