Mouth-watering Baked Chicken Legs 😋

This recipe is a go-to for flavorful baked chicken legs. It checks all the boxes for a comforting weeknight meal—it’s easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and absolutely delicious!

• Quick Prep and Easy Clean-up: With only 10 minutes of hands-on time required, you can pop these chicken legs in the oven before you know it. The entire dish cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
• Versatile Main Course: Baked chicken is a classic choice for dinner. Since it cooks in the oven, it allows for a hands-off cooking experience. Pair it with a variety of side dishes and use it for meal prep, too!
• Rich and Savory Flavor: As the chicken bakes, it soaks up the flavors of the onion broth, creating a warm and comforting taste you’ll love.

Ingredients You Need

For this tasty recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients.

Note: A complete list of ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

• Chicken Drumsticks: We’ll be using chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Make sure to keep the skin on, as it helps retain moisture and adds flavor.
• Onion: A yellow onion works best, but feel free to use any type you have on hand.
• Seasonings: We’ll use paprika, Adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt. These should be items you easily find in your spice rack!
• Better Than Bouillon: Chicken or roasted garlic bouillon adds fantastic flavor to the dish.
• Oil: You can choose your favorite cooking oil here; a neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed works well.

How to Bake Chicken Legs

1. Prepare the chicken for baking: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, pat the chicken legs dry using paper towels. This step is essential for getting crispy skin!
2. Season the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken legs, paprika, salt, Adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of oil and toss everything until the chicken is well coated.

3. Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect for this), heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken legs and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remember, you’re not cooking them through—just getting a nice color on the outside! After searing, remove the drumsticks from the pan and set them aside, but leave the drippings behind.
4. Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add in the Better Than Bouillon, then pour in some water to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

5. Bake the chicken: Nestle the seared chicken legs back on top of the onion mixture in the skillet. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil, baste the chicken with the flavorful juices in the pan, then switch your oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 5-8 minutes or until deeply golden and caramelized.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Pat the chicken dry: Ensuring the chicken is dry before seasoning helps in achieving that desirable crispness.
• Other Cuts of Chicken: Feel free to use different cuts of chicken, such as bone-in skin-on thighs or breasts. Just note that different cuts have altering cooking times. Using a meat thermometer will help avoid overcooking.
• Use a spacious baking dish: Make sure your skillet or baking dish is large enough so the drumsticks don’t overcrowd. They need space to cook evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling for those final minutes is key for achieving crispy, caramelized skin that’s simply irresistible!
• Check for Doneness: Aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For juicy dark meat, consider cooking it up to 170°F (77°C).
• Garnishes: Spruce up your dish’s presentation with fresh parsley or cilantro, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These baked chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a spectrum of side dishes. For a delightful dinner, consider serving them alongside a Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, Cajun butter corn, or even a fragrant rice dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftover baked chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: For longer storage, keep the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: The best method for reheating chicken legs is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can crisp them up under the broiler for the last few minutes, making them just as delicious as before!

Other Popular Chicken Recipes

If you’re on the lookout for more chicken dishes to whip up, here are some tried-and-true favorites that consistently receive rave reviews:

• Garlic Butter Chicken
• Chicken Parmesan
• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Traditional Chicken Alfredo

Try these aside from your delicious baked chicken legs for a week full of culinary delights!

FAQ

1. How can I tell when the chicken legs are fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best tool for checking this.

2. Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts will work as well, just be mindful of the different cooking times needed for leaner cuts.

3. What should I do if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?

If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, you can use chicken broth or stock as a substitute, but the flavor might be slightly milder.

4. How do I get crispy chicken skin?

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and broiling it at the end of cooking will help achieve that crispy skin.

5. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes! You can season the chicken and refrigerate it several hours in advance or even overnight. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.