These Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs are a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy chicken! They're coated in a delicious blend of Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder, then baked in the oven until the skin is perfectly crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. I love how this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or even meal prep.
Why You'll Love These Baked Chicken Legs
- Crispy Skin: Baking at a high temperature helps to create wonderfully crispy chicken skin.
- Flavorful: The simple herb and spice blend adds a delicious savory flavor to the chicken.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The oven does most of the work, freeing you up to prepare other dishes.
- Healthy: Baking the chicken legs instead of frying them makes this a healthier option.
Ingredients for Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious chicken. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken legs (Meat)
- Vegetable oil (coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.) (Oil)
Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning (Spice Blend)
- Onion powder (Spice)
- Garlic powder (Spice)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Seasoning: Use your favorite spice blend, such as Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, or taco seasoning.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss the chicken with chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano along with the dried seasonings.
- Use Chicken Thighs: You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with this recipe (adjust cooking time slightly).
- Add a Glaze: Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce or a honey-mustard glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking.
How to Make Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C).
- I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup or use a baking sheet with a rack for even crispier chicken.
Season the Chicken
- I add the cooking oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder to a bowl.
- I add the chicken drumsticks and toss them until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
Bake
- I place the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- I bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Serve
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the CRISPIEST Chicken Legs
Here are my secrets for making these chicken legs truly exceptional:
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispier.
- Use Oil: Coating the chicken with oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning and crisping.
- High Oven Temperature: Baking at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) is key for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer with some space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
- Use a Wire Rack (Optional): Placing the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet allows air to circulate all around the chicken, resulting in even crispier skin.
How to Serve
These Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs are delicious served with:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Rice: Rice pilaf or a simple side of white or brown rice works well.
- Salad: A simple green salad or a coleslaw would complement the chicken nicely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Leftover cooked chicken legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp the skin.
FAQs about Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs
- Can I use skinless chicken legs?
- Yes, you can, but you won't get the crispy skin. The seasoning will still be delicious on the meat.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead?
- Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work great. Adjust the cooking time slightly; they might cook a bit faster than legs depending on size.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
- The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy these easy, flavorful, and Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs! They're a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Print
Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 1x
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Herb Baked Chicken Legs are a simple, flavorful, and easy-to-make main course. Chicken drumsticks are coated in a blend of oil and herbs, then baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6-8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste (optional, depending on seasoning blend)
- Black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. For crispier skin, place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooking oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined. You can also add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken legs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss until the chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or on the wire rack set over the baking sheet). Ensure there is some space between each drumstick for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone.
- Rest (Optional): Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve.
Notes
- Chicken Legs vs. Drumsticks: The term "chicken legs" often refers specifically to drumsticks in recipes like this.
- Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and using a wire rack during baking will help achieve crispier skin.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add other herbs like paprika, rosemary, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your oven.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these baked chicken legs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge.
