Every bite of these chicken legs is unbelievably tasty. The outside is golden, and the inside is juicy and tender. With just a few simple ingredients, we turn ordinary chicken drumsticks into extraordinary.
This is one of those recipes that I get excited about. It’s so easy to make and the results are always awesome. It’s also easy to change; you can make twice or three times as much for a big group, or you can add some heat and serve on game day. I think you’re really gonna love this recipe!.
Chicken drumsticks are the star of his show, and I love that they’re still very affordable. You can usually find packages of drumsticks that are much lower in price than any other part of the chicken. That’s fine with me! Even if it’s a large package i’ll use what I need now and freeze the rest for later.
We’ll use a simple seasoning blend of dry herbs and spices: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, parsley, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Then we’ll use a tablespoon of olive oil to hold all the seasonings to the chicken and help get that golden crisp skin we love to much.
This recipe is SO easy. We simply mix herbs and spices in a small dish. Add the chicken legs to a large, gallon-sized ziptop bag and add the olive oil. Put the lid on the bag and roll the legs around for one minute to make sure all the chicken gets the same amount of oil. Then, open the bag, pour in the seasonings, close the bag and do the shake thing. Rub the chicken with the spices for about a minute to make sure they are spread out evenly.
Set aside for a minute and preheat your oven to 425°(F) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Give the foil a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This is important as the chicken will stick without it.
Now take the chicken out of the bag and place on the foil lined sheet. Then into the oven it goes for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes the chicken will be a beautiful golden color and the inside will be at least 165°(F) when checked with an instant read thermometer. In fact, it will probably be closer to 185-195°(F) which is exactly what we want!
Cooking chicken legs can seem deceptively simple, but achieving the ideal balance of taste, texture, and food safety requires precision. Undercook them, and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook them, and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery meat. What temperature yields perfectly cooked chicken legs that are moist, flavorful and safe to eat? Let’s explore the ideal target temperatures, cooking methods, and tips for cooking chicken legs flawlessly every time.
Why Temperature Matters For Chicken Legs
Cooking chicken legs properly is crucial for two main reasons:
Food Safety Chicken needs to reach a high enough internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. Undercooked chicken can contain dangerous pathogens like Salmonella
Texture: The final texture and level of moisture depend on the temperature. If chicken legs are cooked too long, they can get dry and chewy.
The ideal temperature for chicken legs produces meat that is thoroughly cooked while remaining tender and juicy.
The Magic Number: 165°F (74°C)
To make sure food is safe, the USDA says chicken should be cooked at least to 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. For the best texture, some chefs say to cook at slightly higher temperatures, between 77°F and 180°F.
Here are general guidelines:
- 165°F (74°C) – Safe minimum cooking temperature
- 175°F (79°C) – Produces very tender, juicy meat
- 180°F (82°C) – Yields fall-off-the-bone tender chicken
Always use a meat thermometer to check temperature rather than relying on cook times alone. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the chicken leg while avoiding contact with the bone.
Best Cooking Methods
You can cook chicken legs to perfection using various methods. Here are some top choices:
Oven Roasting
Roasting uses dry oven heat to produce crisp skin and tender meat. Roast at 400-450°F (200-230°C) for 35-45 minutes until 165°F (74°C). Elevate legs on a rack for even cooking.
Grilling
Grilling imparts delicious charred flavor. Use medium-high indirect heat around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Grill for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally until 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cooking
Low, slow cooking yields very tender chicken. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Shred meat once internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Air Frying
Air frying creates crispy skin with less oil than deep frying. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 18-22 minutes, flip halfway, until 165°F (74°C).
Handy Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked chicken legs every time:
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Dry completely—Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels to get rid of extra water for skin that is crispier.
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Use a thermometer – Insert thermometer into the thickest section to monitor temperature.
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Allow carryover cooking – Remove chicken from heat just below final target temp. The temperature will continue rising 5-10°F.
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Watch carefully if air frying – Check often to avoid overcooking.
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Season and salt the legs – Season them well on all sides before cooking Consider a brine or marinade for extra moisture and flavor.
Signs of Doneness
The best way to assess doneness is checking temperature with a thermometer. But here are some visual cues the chicken is fully cooked:
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Meat is opaque and white throughout with no pink spots.
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Juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
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Meat easily falls off the bone.
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Skin is deeply browned and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken legs pair deliciously with:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots
- Rice or pasta
- Fresh salads
- Baked beans or macaroni and cheese
The Takeaway
For safe, tender, and tasty chicken legs, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F-180°F (74°C-82°C). Oven roasting, grilling, and slow cooking are reliable cooking methods. Monitor temperature with a thermometer for best results. With proper technique, you’ll be rewarded with incredible chicken legs every time.
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Pro Tip: Chicken Legs are Better at 185-195°(F)!
Chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This rule has been around for a long time. For the best results, though, it’s usually best to heat darker meats like chicken legs, thighs, or the whole leg quarter above this temperature. When meat is heated to about 185°F, the collagens inside start to break down, which makes dark poultry meat juicy and “fall-off-the-bone” tender.
Check out this great article by America’s Test Kitchen regarding “overcooking” chicken drumsticks and thighs.
Can this recipe be doubled?
It sure can. You can even triple or quadruple this recipe! Simply adjust the ingredients accordingly. The cook time will still be 40 minutes, just be sure to not crowd the chicken too much on the pan. Keep the legs from touching and always keep in a single layer.
EASY CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS!
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is generally preferred over 350°F (177°C) for achieving crispier skin and a quicker cook time, while still maintaining juicy meat.
How long to cook chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees?
Chicken drumsticks typically need 35-45 minutes of baking time at 400°F (204°C). The best way to ensure they are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer; .
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
What temperature should chicken legs be cooked to?
It is still safe to eat dark meat like leg and thigh meat at 165°F, but it is best to cook it to about 170°F to 175°F (77°C to 79°C). The chicken’s legs are actively worked muscles, and the meat is tougher because of it.
How long to cook chicken legs in oven?
Cooking times for chicken legs in the oven can vary based on size and cooking temperature. In general, chicken legs will be done in 35 to 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to 425°F (220°C). It’s essential to ensure that they reach the proper internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) to guarantee they are safe to eat.
What temperature should chicken be cooked at?
To get juicy, flavorful meat, it’s important to cook chicken and all other cuts of meat just right. For dark meat chicken, such as chicken legs, an internal temperature of 175F is perfection. As far as oven temperature is concerned, I like to set the oven to 350F.
Do chicken legs need to be cooked properly?
Getting the cooking time for chicken legs right isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Cooking chicken legs properly keeps them juicy and flavorful. Cook them too little, and you risk foodborne illness from Salmonella or Campylobacter.
How long does it take to cook chicken legs at 425f?
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.
What temperature should a chicken leg be in a meat thermometer?
Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken leg. The official temperature for chicken that’s safe to eat is 165F. However, for dark meat that’s flavorful and tender, 175F is the way to go.