10+ Chicken Leg Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

Chicken legs are a popular choice for meals because they are flavorful, affordable, and easy to cook. They fit well with many types of cooking methods, whether you like baking, grilling, or slow cooking.

If you want simple and tasty ideas, chicken leg recipes give you many ways to enjoy this cut of meat. These recipes can suit different tastes and occasions, making it easy for you to create meals your family will like.

Ingredients

• Chicken legs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or garlic powder.
3. Place the legs on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C).

1) Oven Baked Chicken Legs with Simple Seasoning

Baking chicken legs in the oven is easy and gives you juicy meat with crispy skin. You can use a simple mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and salt.

This blend adds good flavor without needing many ingredients. Start by rubbing the seasoning mix all over the chicken legs.

Place them on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).

You can serve these with your favorite sides or salad. This recipe is great for quick dinners and uses common spices you probably already have.

For more on simple seasoned chicken legs, see this easy baked chicken legs recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix all spices in a small bowl.
3. Pat chicken legs dry and rub with olive oil.
4. Coat each leg in the spice mix evenly.
5. Place legs on a lined baking tray.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
7. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

2) Honey Garlic Slow Baked Chicken Drumsticks

You can make honey garlic chicken drumsticks in the oven with little effort. The chicken bakes in a sauce made from honey, garlic, butter, and a bit of Dijon mustard.

This slow baking keeps the meat juicy and helps it soak up all the flavors. The sauce becomes sticky and sweet, coating each drumstick perfectly.

Baking at a low temperature gives you tender meat without drying it out. You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time.

When ready, just bake slowly and enjoy the delicious smell filling your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix honey, butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat chicken drumsticks in the sauce and marinate for 30 minutes if you can.
4. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil.
5. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting with sauce halfway.
6. Turn on broiler for 3–5 minutes to crisp skin if desired.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

3) Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with 3-Ingredient Rub

You can make crispy baked chicken drumsticks easily with just three simple ingredients. This rub adds great flavor and color to your chicken.

The chicken skin gets nice and crispy in the oven. You only need a few minutes to mix the rub and then bake.

It’s a straightforward recipe for weeknight dinners. This method lets the seasoning shine without being too heavy.

You’ll enjoy juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch every time.

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (about 6)
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pat chicken dry and rub the spice mix all over each drumstick.
4. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

4) Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks for Crispy Skin

Air fryer chicken drumsticks are a quick way to get crispy skin and juicy meat. You only need a simple seasoning mix and about 30 minutes to cook them.

Pat the drumsticks dry to help the skin get crispy in the air fryer. Then, season them with your favorite spices.

Cook the drumsticks at 380°F (193°C) for 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to brown all sides evenly.

If they need extra crispiness, add a few minutes. You’ll have tasty chicken drumsticks with less oil and less mess than frying.

This method is easy and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
2. Toss chicken with olive oil and spices.
3. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
4. Place drumsticks in the basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip.
6. Cook another 15 minutes until skin is crispy and meat is cooked through.

5) Indian Spiced Chicken Legs with Yogurt Marinade

You can make flavorful Indian spiced chicken legs with a simple yogurt marinade. Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while adding a tangy taste.

The spices like turmeric, curry powder, and paprika bring warmth and color. Marinate the chicken legs for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Then bake or grill them until cooked through and juicy. This dish pairs well with rice or a fresh salad.

The blend of creamy yogurt and spices gives the chicken a nice balance of aroma and taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 pounds chicken legs (drumsticks or thighs)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, honey, curry powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken legs in the marinade, cover, and chill for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Try this easy recipe for a tasty Indian-inspired meal. For more details, see Indian Spiced Drumsticks.

6) Rachael’s Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks are simple and tasty. The secret is a mix of garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

This seasoning blend gives the chicken a great flavor without extra effort. Before cooking, toss the drumsticks in olive oil to help the skin get crispy.

Make sure the skin covers the meat well for the best results. Bake the chicken until it’s golden and crispy.

The skin stays crunchy while the inside is tender and juicy. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for guests.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat drumsticks dry and coat with olive oil.
3. Mix all seasonings in a bowl.
4. Toss drumsticks in seasoning mix until fully coated.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through.

7) Marion Grasby’s Slow Cooked Chicken Leg Curry

Marion Grasby’s slow cooked chicken leg curry is full of flavor and easy to make. The chicken legs become tender as they cook slowly with spices and coconut milk.

This recipe is great for a cozy meal any day of the week. Prepare your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let everything simmer.

The long cooking time helps all the spices blend well. Serve it with rice or bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the chicken legs in a pan, then place them in the slow cooker.
2. Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until soft; add curry powder and turmeric.
3. Mix in coconut milk and chicken stock, then pour over chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

You can find more of Marion’s chicken leg recipes here.

8) Mediterranean Baked Chicken Legs with Herbs

Mediterranean baked chicken legs are simple and tasty. The key is using fresh herbs like oregano, garlic, and lemon for bright, savory flavor.

The chicken turns crispy on the outside and stays juicy inside. This recipe uses olive oil and lemon juice as a marinade, which keeps the meat tender.

Coat your chicken legs well and let them soak up the flavors before baking. Baking at 400°F (200°C) gives you nicely browned skin fast.

Add some chopped vegetables or potatoes to the pan for a full, easy meal.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat chicken legs with the mixture evenly.

4. Place chicken on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and skin is crispy.

9) Parmesan Crusted Chicken Drumsticks

You can make crispy and tasty Parmesan crusted chicken drumsticks right in your oven.

Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs give the chicken a crunchy coating.

This creates a golden color and great flavor without frying.

The drumsticks stay juicy inside while the outside becomes crisp.

Add garlic or herbs to the crust for extra taste.

Baking the drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) cooks them through and makes the crust perfect.

It usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat drumsticks with olive oil, then roll in the Parmesan mixture.

4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

10) Budget-Friendly Easy Oven Baked Drumsticks

Baked drumsticks are a simple and tasty choice for a quick dinner.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks keep the meat juicy and full of flavor.

You only need a few ingredients to make them delicious.

Season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and a little oil.

Bake them in the oven until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender.

This method works well for busy weeknights and fits any budget.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.

3. Toss the drumsticks in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like.

4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The skin should be crispy and the meat cooked through.

6. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For more details, see this budget-friendly chicken drumsticks recipe.