Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, juicy drumsticks with perfectly crispy skin using an easy oven-baking method. Coated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, poultry seasoning, and baking powder, these chicken legs are baked on a wire rack to ensure even crisping and delicious results without frying. Ideal for a quick dinner or meal prep, this simple technique guarantees crispy, savory chicken with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks, cleaned, with the excess fat removed
Seasoning & Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning, or seasoning of choice
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more if desired
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more if desired
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Dry the Chicken: Place a cooling rack over a large baking sheet lined with paper towels. Arrange the chicken drumsticks on top and tent with more paper towels. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least two hours, ideally overnight, to help dry the skin for crispier results. If short on time, thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels instead.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 400 ℉ (204 ℃). Remove the paper towels from the cooling rack and spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and use your hands to gently but thoroughly coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken legs evenly spaced on the wire rack atop the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking and crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165 ℉ (74 ℃) is reached using a digital meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest on the rack for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Using baking powder is key to achieving extra crispy skin without frying.
- Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning for optimal crispiness.
- You can customize the seasoning blend to your preference, such as adding smoked paprika or garlic powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
