Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350°F or 400°F?

It depends on your goal. If you want soft, juicy meat, bake at 350°F (175°C) . This lower temperature cooks the chicken evenly and keeps the meat moist. But if you’re after crispy, golden-brown skin, 400°F (200°C) is the way to go. The higher heat helps render the fat under the skin, creating that irresistible crunch. Personally, I prefer 400°F — it’s the sweet spot for crispy outside, juicy inside. Once you master this, you’ll never question how to cook chicken legs in the oven again.

How long do you cook chicken legs in the oven for?

For most chicken cuts, including drumsticks, 400°F gives the best results. The higher heat helps develop a crisp skin while keeping the inside juicy. However, if you’re cooking chicken breasts or other lean cuts, 350°F is better because they dry out more quickly. When it comes to learning how to cook chicken legs in the oven , I recommend using 400°F for that perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.

What is the best cooking method for chicken legs?

The oven-baking method is hands-down the best way to cook chicken legs. It’s simple, consistent, and nearly impossible to mess up. You don’t need constant supervision, and the heat wraps around the chicken evenly, crisping the skin while keeping the meat juicy. For even better results, bake your chicken on a rack so air can circulate underneath — it’s one of my favorite tricks I also use in my BBQ Chicken Wings in Oven recipe. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this method works every time.

How to Cook Chicken Legs in the Oven

Name: How to Cook Chicken Legs in the Oven
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken legs (drumsticks); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Description

Learn how to cook chicken legs in the oven with this easy, foolproof recipe. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with simple flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

6 chicken legs (drumsticks)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for crisp, juicy results.

2. Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.

3. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme in a small bowl.

4. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and coat evenly with seasoning.

5. Arrange legs on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

7. Check internal temperature—should reach 165°F near the bone.

8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Notes

For spicier flavor, add extra cayenne or chili flakes.

To make skin extra crispy, preheat your baking sheet before adding the chicken.

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken leg
Calories: 280
Sugar: 0.2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 140mg