You’ll learn the best temperature to bake chicken legs in this post, along with the best baking times and ways to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Like chicken thighs , chicken drumsticks are one of the most underrated chicken cuts even though they are more flavorful, moist, and forgiving to cook with than white meat.
Each drumstick, without skin, has about 1. 5 ounces of meat which equates to 66 calories, 10 grams of protein, 2. 5 grams of fat, and no carbs, making them an ideal and lean protein option.
Cooking chicken legs in the oven at 350°F produces juicy, flavorful results, but nailing the timing is essential. Undercooking can lead to foodborne illness while overcooking yields dry, rubbery meat. So how long should chicken legs cook at 350°F? The answer depends on several factors.
Key Factors That Impact Chicken Leg Bake Times
Bone-in vs. boneless: Chicken legs with bones can take 10 to 15 minutes longer to cook than chicken legs without bones. The bones help the meat stay moist, but they also make the cooking process take longer.
Marinades and Rubs – Chicken legs marinated or heavily seasoned before baking may require slightly longer cook times to fully absorb flavors.
Oven Variability – Inconsistent oven temperatures can alter bake times. Use an oven thermometer to assess accuracy.
Chicken Leg Size – Larger, thicker legs need more time than smaller, thinner ones. Look for uniform sizing when buying chicken legs.
Arrangement and Spacing – Evenly spaced legs in a single layer bake more efficiently than crowded legs.
Recommended Bake Times
Bone-in Chicken Legs – Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes at 350°F.
Boneless Chicken Legs – Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350°F.
These timings serve as a general guideline. Relying solely on bake times poses a food safety risk if chicken is undercooked. The most reliable test of doneness is checking internal temperature.
Check Temperature for Safely Cooked Chicken
Regardless of bake time, chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to take the temperature. Insert into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding bone.
At 165°F, the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Temperatures below 165°F risk bacteria growth. If the thermometer reads lower, return legs to the oven for a few more minutes.
Visual Cues for Assessing Doneness
Thermometers provide the best results, but visual checks can further confirm doneness:
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Juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork
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Meat is no longer pink when cut into
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Skin is golden brown and crispy
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Meat pulls away easily from the bone (for bone-in)
Seasoning and Flavoring Chicken Legs
Because they have a lot of fat and collagen, chicken legs can handle strong spices and marinades. Consider flavors like:
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Herb blends – rosemary, thyme, oregano
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Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne
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Garlic, onion, lemon
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Soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil
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Dry rubs with brown sugar or spices
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Marinades like buttermilk, wine, yogurt
Preparing Chicken Legs for the Oven
Pat Dry – Remove excess moisture from chicken for crisper skin
Lightly Oil – Brush with oil to promote browning and flavor
Use a Wire Rack – Elevates chicken above drippings for even cooking
Space Legs Apart – Avoid crowding for proper air circulation
Rotate Midway – Ensures even exposure to oven heat
Baking Vessel Choices
Rimmed Baking Sheets – Allow chicken juices to collect separately from the legs
Wire Racks – Promote air flow and crispy skin when placed on a baking sheet
Broiler Pans – Perforated surface drains fat away from chicken legs
Metal or Glass Dishes – Just ensure the dish is oven safe at 350°F or above
Post-Bake Resting
Allow baked chicken legs to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices move around in the meat, making sure the end result is tender and juicy. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
When chicken legs are baked right, they taste good, are safe to eat, and are soft. If you follow these tips, you’ll always get a perfect 350° bake. Keep an eye on the temperature, use visual checks, and learn how to adjust the timing based on the chicken. Soon, this oven method will be the only way you cook chicken legs that are easy and taste great.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 425
425F will bake chicken legs the fastest, around 35 minutes, but keep an eye on the internal temperature. As soon as the chicken’s internal temperature the skin and upper layer of meat from drying out.
Chicken Leg Cooking Times Chart
The best way to cook is to check the internal temperature. The charts below show different baking temperatures and times for bone-in, skin-on chicken legs.
| Oven Temp | Average Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 350F (175C) | 1 hour | 175F (80C) |
| 375F (190C) | 40 to 45 mins | 175F (80C) |
| 400F (200C) | 35 to 40 mins | 175F (80C) |
| 425F (218C) | 35 mins | 175F (80C) |
How long does it take to bake drumsticks at 350?
FAQ
How long do drumsticks take to cook at 350 degrees?
Turn the drumsticks over once halfway through the cooking time, which should take about 40 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF.
Is it better to bake drumsticks at 350 or 400?
How long does it take for a chicken to cook in the oven at 350 degrees?
How Long to Bake Chicken at 350 degrees F. Baking a whole chicken is like roasting a turkey. At 350 degrees you should count on 20-25 minutes per pound for a 3 to 8 pound chicken. As with all meats, check the temperature 15-20 minutes before the time it should be done.
Do you bake drumsticks covered or uncovered?
Chicken drumsticks are typically baked uncovered to achieve crispy skin.
How long to cook chicken legs at 350?
To cook chicken legs at 350°F, it typically takes about 45-50 minutes. Though, the exact cooking time might be different based on the chicken legs’ size and how well your oven works. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, signaling it’s safe to eat.
How do you cook chicken legs in the oven?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put the chicken legs on it. Leave about an inch of space between each leg. Drizzle with a little bit of oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for the recommended cooking time, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can you cook chicken legs at 375 degrees?
Yes, you can use different temperatures depending on your preference and the desired cooking time. Baking chicken legs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit will result in a slightly shorter cooking time, while 325 degrees Fahrenheit will require a longer cooking time.
How long should chicken legs marinate before cooking?
Allow the chicken legs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor impact. Remember to pat the chicken legs dry before cooking to ensure a crispy skin and optimal seasoning absorption.
How do you know if chicken legs are cooked?
Checking for doneness using the internal temperature guidelines is a foolproof way to ensure your chicken legs are perfectly cooked and safe to enjoy. After cooking your chicken legs to perfection, it is crucial to allow them to rest before serving.
How do you make chicken legs crispy before baking?
To achieve extra crispy chicken legs, you can coat them in a thin layer of breadcrumbs or panko before baking. Additionally, you can brush them with melted butter or oil to help create a crispier texture. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish? Absolutely!