Baking chicken legs or drumsticks is one of the best ways to get tender, moist meat or crispy texture, but you can only get this result if you know exactly how to bake it and how long to bake it. So, in this article, you’ll find out how long chicken legs take to cook at different oven temperatures, depending on their size and shape.
The Best Temp To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven
The best temperature to bake chicken legs in the oven is 375°F (190°C). This temperature is high enough to cook the chicken legs through but not so high that the outside will become burnt before the inside is fully cooked.
How Do Oven Temperatures Affect the Doneness and Texture of Baked Chicken Legs
When you bake chicken legs at different temperatures, the main difference is how long it takes and how well done they are. Here is a general idea of how long it will take and how done it will be at different temperatures:
- 350°F (175°C): Baking chicken legs at this temperature will result in a longer cooking time, but the chicken will be more moist and tender.
- 375°F (190°C): This is a good middle-of-the-road temperature for baking chicken legs. The chicken will be fully cooked through, but still moist and tender.
- 400°F (205°C): Baking chicken legs at a higher temperature will result in a shorter cooking time, but the chicken may be slightly drier.
- 425°F (220°C): At this temperature, the chicken legs will cook faster, but may be at risk of becoming overcooked and dry.
- 450°F (230°C): Baking chicken legs at a very high temperature will result in a very short cooking time, but the chicken may be burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
Baking Time For Boneless Skinless Chicken Legs
Here is a guidlines that shows approximately how long it would take to bake boneless, skinless chicken legs in the oven at different temperatures range from 350°F to 450°F:
Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Legs at 350°F:
Baking boneless skinless chicken legs at 350°F is a great option if you have the time to spare. It’s best to bake them for 45-60 minutes, which will result in tender, juicy chicken that’s fully cooked through.
Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Legs at 375°F:
Baking boneless skinless chicken legs at 375°F is another popular option that can yield excellent results. For best results, bake them for 40-50 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Legs at 400°F:
If you’re short on time, baking boneless skinless chicken legs at 400°F is a great option. They should be fully cooked and juicy in just 30-40 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Baking boneless skinless chicken legs at 425°F can result in deliciously crispy skin while keeping the meat moist and tender. They should be ready in just 25-35 minutes, depending on their size.
Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Legs at 450°F:
Baking boneless skinless chicken legs at 450°F is a high-temperature option that can produce perfectly cooked chicken in just 20-30 minutes. However, it’s important to monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
Note: Boneless, skinless chicken legs should be baked at a lower temperature for a longer time if you want them to be fully cooked and moist, or at a higher temperature for a shorter time if you want them to be crispier.
Here is a guidline that shows approximately baking time for bone-in, skin-on chicken legs in the oven at different temperatures range from 350°F to 450°F:
How Long to Bake Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Legs at 350°F:
To achieve juicy and tender meat with crispy skin, baking bone-in, skin-on chicken legs at a temperature of 350°F is a fantastic option. The optimal cook time is usually around 50-60 minutes.
How Long to Bake Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Legs at 375°F:
If you want crispy skin while keeping the meat moist and tender, baking bone-in, skin-on chicken legs at a temperature of 375°F is a great option. The cook time is usually around 45-55 minutes.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs is being baked at 400°F for less time and still come out with juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. The recommended cooking time is often between 35 and 45 minutes.
How Long to Bake Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Legs at 425°F:
Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs should be baked at 425°F to get crispy skin and juicy meat. Depending on the size of the chicken legs, the excellent cooking time is usually between 30 and 40 minutes.
How Long to Bake Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Legs at 450°F:
A high-temperature method that yields crispy skin and thoroughly cooked meat is to bake bone-in, skin-on chicken legs at 450°F. Overcooking the chicken might cause it to become tough, thus care must be taken not to overcook it. Typically, 25–35 minutes is the recommended cooking time.
Baking Time For Frozen Chicken Legs
Baking frozen chicken legs takes about 50% longer than fresh chicken legs at the same temperature. Here’s a rough estimate of how long it will take to bake bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and boneless, skinless chicken legs at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 450°F:
How Long to Bake Frozen Chicken Legs at 375°F:
If you’re baking frozen chicken legs and want juicy, tender meat with crispy skin, then set your oven to 375°F. For bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, bake them for 50-60 minutes. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken legs, bake them for 80-100 minutes.
How Long to Bake Frozen Chicken Legs at 350°F:
To cook frozen chicken legs and achieve juicy and tender meat, you can also bake them at 350°F. For bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, you should bake them for approximately 90-120 minutes.
or crispy skin on frozen chicken legs, bake them at 425°F. Bone-in, skin-on legs take 30-40 mins, while boneless, skinless legs take 35-45 mins.
How Long to Bake Frozen Chicken Legs at 400°F:
To save time when baking frozen chicken legs, you can bake them at 400°F while still achieving juicy and tender meat with crispy skin. For bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, bake them for approximately 35-45 minutes, while boneless, skinless chicken legs should be baked for approximately 60-80 minutes.
How to Thaw Frozen Chicken Legs Before Baking
Thaw frozen chicken legs before baking to ensure even cooking. Safe thawing methods include using the refrigerator (24-48 hours), cold water (1-3 hours), or the defrost setting on a microwave (following the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on the weight of the chicken legs).
When baking chicken legs, the cooking time per pound can vary depending on factors like oven temperature, bone-in vs. boneless, and skin on or off. As a general guideline, bake chicken legs at 350°F for 30-35 minutes per pound. For bone-in chicken legs, increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes per pound, while boneless chicken legs may only need 20-25 minutes per pound.
Learn More about How Long To Bake Chicken Per Pound.
How to Calculate Total Baking Time for Chicken Legs
Total Baking Time (minutes) = (Baking Time per Pound (minutes)) x (Number of Pounds)
For example, if you are baking fresh chicken legs that weigh 2 pounds at 400°F, and the baking time per pound is 12-20 minutes, you can calculate the total baking time as follows:
Baking Times for Small and Large Chicken Legs
Weight is a good indicator of chicken leg size. Legs from a chicken that weigh less than two pounds are considered tiny, while those that weigh three pounds or more are called enormous. Below are the baking times for small and large chicken legs at various oven temperatures:
Small chicken legs (1-1.5 pounds):
- Fresh: 20-30 minutes at 350°F, 15-25 minutes at 375°F, 12-20 minutes at 400°F, 10-15 minutes at 425°F, 8-12 minutes at 450°F.
- Frozen: 40-60 minutes at 350°F, 30-50 minutes at 375°F, 25-40 minutes at 400°F, 20-30 minutes at 425°F, 15-25 minutes at 450°F.
Large chicken legs (2-3 pounds):
- Fresh: 30-45 minutes at 350°F, 25-35 minutes at 375°F, 20-30 minutes at 400°F, 15-25 minutes at 425°F, 12-20 minutes at 450°F.
- Frozen: 1-1.5 hours at 350°F, 45-75 minutes at 375°F, 40-60 minutes at 400°F, 30-45 minutes at 425°F, 25-35 minutes at 450°F.
Baking Times for Various Numbers of Chicken Legs
Here’s a general guide to baking chicken legs in the oven based on the number of legs and the oven temperature:
| Temperature | 1-2 Chicken Legs | 3-4 Chicken Legs |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 20-30 mins | 30-45 mins |
| 375°F | 15-25 mins | 25-35 mins |
| 400°F | 12-20 mins | 20-30 mins |
| 425°F | 10-15 mins | 15-25 mins |
| 450°F | 8-12 mins | 12-20 mins |
Large Batches (5-8 chicken legs)
| Temperature | 5-6 Chicken Legs | 7-8 Chicken Legs |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 45-60 mins | 1-1.5 hours |
| 375°F | 35-50 mins | 45-75 mins |
| 400°F | 30-40 mins | 40-60 mins |
| 425°F | 25-35 mins | 30-45 mins |
| 450°F | 20-30 mins | 25-35 mins |
How To Know When Chicken Legs Are Done Baking
There are several ways to determine when chicken legs are done baking:
- Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to determine when chicken legs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, making sure to avoid the bone. Chicken legs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Check the juices: Another way to tell if chicken legs are done baking is to check the juices. When the chicken legs are fully cooked, the juices will run clear when the meat is poked with a fork or knife.
- Check the appearance: Fully cooked chicken legs will have a nicely browned exterior and the meat will pull easily away from the bone. If the chicken legs are not fully cooked, the meat may still be pink or pale in color and may not easily separate from the bone.
Covering vs. Uncovering Chicken Legs While Baking
Covering chicken legs keeps them moist but prevents the skin from becoming crispy. Uncovering them allows the skin to crisp up but may result in a drier texture. Cover with aluminum foil for moist legs, leave uncovered for crispy legs. Adjust cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Ingredients needed
- 6-8 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How To Bake Chicken Legs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken legs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden-brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken legs has reached 165°F.
- Let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftover Baked Chicken Legs
- In The Fridge: Chicken legs should be cooled thoroughly before handling. Place the chicken thighs in a sealed bag or container. Chicken legs should be used within three to four days.
- In The Freezer: properly store baked chicken legs can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Use a permanent marker to label the bag or container with the contents and the date, so you know how long the chicken legs have been frozen.
How to Reheat Leftover Baked Chicken Legs
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the leftover chicken legs on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the skin, if desired.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken legs has reached 165°F.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the leftover chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken legs has reached 165°F.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover chicken legs on a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken legs has reached 165°F.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs
Legs of baked chicken can be served with a wide range of side dishes, including roasted or mashed potatoes, vegetables, rice, or salad. In addition, you have the option of seasoning the chicken with a variety of sauces and spices, such as paprika or barbecue sauce, to give it more taste.
Baked Chicken Legs Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 leg (drumstick and thigh):
- Calories: 284
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 101mg
More Cooking Time Information:
