10+ Chicken Leg Recipes to Try for Easy and Delicious Meals

Chicken legs are a go-to for so many meals. They’re tasty, easy to cook, and you can do a lot with them.

Bake them, grill them, or toss them in a slow cooker—doesn’t really matter. You’ll always get juicy meat and plenty of flavor.

If you’re looking to try out new flavors, chicken leg recipes are a solid starting point. Keep things simple or add your favorite spices and herbs—it’s up to you.

Let’s check out some easy and delicious ways to enjoy chicken legs.

1) Oven Baked Paprika Chicken Legs

Oven baked paprika chicken legs are about as simple as it gets. Just season the chicken with paprika, salt, and a few other spices.

The paprika gives it a rich color and a bit of a smoky kick. Baking at a high temp gets the skin nice and crispy, while the inside stays juicy.

Serve these with rice, potatoes, or maybe a fresh salad if you’re feeling healthy. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, and honestly, the oven does most of the heavy lifting.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat chicken legs dry.
3. Rub them with olive oil.
4. Mix together the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and parsley.
5. Coat the chicken with the spice mix.
6. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 40 minutes, until the skin’s crispy and juices run clear.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before digging in.

More details here: paprika chicken legs recipe.

2) Honey Garlic Baked Drumsticks

Honey garlic baked drumsticks are sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy. The sticky sauce clings to every bite.

Mix up honey, garlic, butter, and a bit of mustard for the marinade. Let the drumsticks soak up the flavor, then bake until golden and crispy.

Pair with rice or veggies and you’re set. It’s a fuss-free meal that tastes like you put in way more effort.

Ingredients:

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

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix honey, garlic, melted butter, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat drumsticks in the sauce and marinate for 20 minutes.
4. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake 35-40 minutes until done and skin is golden.
6. Baste with extra sauce halfway through for more flavor.

3) Spicy-Sweet Rubbed Chicken Legs

Spicy-sweet rubbed chicken legs? Yes, please. Brown sugar brings the sweetness, while garlic powder and cumin add a punch.

Rub the mix all over the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. That way, the flavors really sink in.

Roast at 400°F (205°C) for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure the inside hits 165°F (74°C) before you serve.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless chicken legs
• ½ cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cumin.
3. Rub over chicken legs.
4. Let rest 30 minutes.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Roast 35-40 minutes until crispy and done.
7. Check that internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

4) Easy Crispy Oven Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy oven chicken drumsticks are always a win. Toss them in olive oil and your favorite spices.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for juicy meat and a crunchy skin. Flip halfway so both sides get evenly browned.

Check the temp—165°F (74°C) and you’re good. Dinner’s ready in about 40 minutes, which is pretty great when you’re hungry.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Coat drumsticks with olive oil and spices.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet.
4. Bake 20 minutes, then flip.
5. Bake another 20 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

5) Slowly Baked Honey Soy Chicken

Slow baked honey soy chicken is all about deep flavor and juicy meat. Cook chicken legs or thighs low and slow for about an hour.

The sauce—just honey, soy sauce, garlic, and oil—gets sticky and rich. No need to marinate overnight; just coat and bake.

Bake at 325°F (165°C) so the chicken stays tender and the glaze turns out just right.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs or thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and oil.
3. Coat chicken with the sauce.
4. Place on a baking tray.
5. Bake 55-60 minutes until sticky and cooked through.
6. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

6) Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Legs

Garlic herb roasted chicken legs are packed with flavor and honestly, they’re so easy. Marinate the chicken in garlic, herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice for juicy, tasty results.

Roast until the skin’s golden and crisp. Serve with whatever sides you like—this recipe is flexible.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat chicken legs and let sit 30 minutes.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Roast 35-40 minutes, or until internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with parsley if you want.

More info here: lemon garlic roasted chicken legs recipe.

7) Curried Yogurt Marinated Drumsticks

Curried yogurt drumsticks come out super tender and flavorful. The yogurt keeps things juicy, and the curry spices add warmth without being too hot.

Let the drumsticks marinate for a few hours so the flavors really get in there. Bake or air fry—either way, you’ll get a tasty result.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix yogurt, curry powder, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and salt.
2. Coat drumsticks and refrigerate 2-4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Bake on a sheet for 35-40 minutes.
5. Or, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if you want extra crisp.

Check out this yogurt curry chicken drumsticks recipe for more ideas.

8) Parmesan Crusted Chicken Legs

Parmesan crusted chicken legs are crispy, cheesy, and honestly, kind of addictive. The cheese gives extra flavor and a golden finish.

You just coat the chicken in a mix of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and spices, then bake. No frying needed, which is always a plus.

Inside stays juicy, outside gets crunchy—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 10-12 chicken legs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken with olive oil.
4. Coat with Parmesan mixture.
5. Place on baking sheet.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

9) Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Legs

Making Mediterranean lemon garlic chicken legs is honestly a breeze. The lemon and garlic bring a bright, zesty punch that just wakes up the whole dish.

Oregano steps in with a bit of earthiness, tying it all together in a way that feels classic yet fresh. Grab your chicken legs and marinate them with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.

Let the flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can wait. Pop them in the oven and bake until you’ve got crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

I like serving this for a quick weeknight dinner, but it works just as well if you’ve got friends coming over. Pair it with a simple salad or some roasted veggies to keep things light.

Ingredients:

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

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken legs and coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and skin is crispy.

10) Classic Southern Fried Chicken Legs

Classic Southern fried chicken legs hit that sweet spot—crunchy outside, juicy inside. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

It’s a simple blend, but it packs in plenty of flavor. Toss the chicken legs in flour mixed with paprika and black pepper.

That coating gives you the kind of crispy crust you dream about. Fry the chicken slowly over medium heat, letting it cook through without burning.

Once they’re golden brown and hit 165°F (74°C) inside, pull them out and let them rest for a few minutes. That way, the juices stay right where you want them.

Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken legs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and onion powder onto the chicken.

2. In a big bowl, toss together flour, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Roll the chicken legs in the flour mix until they’re well coated.

4. Pour oil into a deep pan and heat it up over medium.

5. Drop in the chicken legs. Fry them for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning them every so often.

6. Make sure the inside hits 165°F (74°C).

7. Take the chicken out and let it rest for five minutes. Then, dig in.