Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken drumsticks with a delightfully crispy skin achieved by a simple baking method. Using baking powder and poultry seasoning enhances the texture and flavor, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks, cleaned, with the excess fat removed
Seasoning and 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 evenly on the rack and cover them with additional paper towels. Refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to dry the skin. If pressed for time, pat the chicken legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rack: Preheat your oven to 400 ℉ (204 ℃). Discard the paper towels from the cooling rack and lightly coat the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Add the chicken legs to the bowl and gently toss with hands or tongs ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture, distributing the baking powder well to help crisp the skin.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken legs on the prepared wire rack spaced apart to allow hot air circulation. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 ℉ (74 ℃) confirming the chicken is perfectly cooked and skin is crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes on the rack. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat when served.
Notes
- Leftover crispy baked chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Using baking powder is key for achieving crispy skin without frying.
- Adjust seasoning amounts according to taste preference, adding more salt or black pepper if desired before baking.
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (about 4 ounces)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
