Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Legs recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, juicy drumsticks with a satisfyingly crispy skin without the need for frying. Using a simple blend of olive oil, poultry seasoning, baking powder, and basic spices, the chicken is baked on a wire rack to allow even air circulation for maximum crispiness. It’s an easy and healthier way to enjoy classic crispy chicken legs, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Legs
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks, cleaned, with the excess fat removed
Seasoning Mix
- 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 and layer with paper towels. Arrange the chicken drumsticks on top of the wire rack and tent with more paper towels. Transfer the setup to the refrigerator for at least two hours, ideally overnight, to dry out the skin. If short on time, pat the chicken legs as dry as possible with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Discard the paper towels from the cooling rack and spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Seasoning Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and gently toss using your hands to ensure even coating with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken legs on the wire rack, spaced out to avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for optimal flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken skin is thoroughly dried before applying the seasoning.
- Baking powder is key to achieving the crispy skin without frying.
- The recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
