10+ Chicken Legs Recipes to Try for Delicious Easy Meals

Chicken legs are a go-to for easy, tasty meals. They’re budget-friendly and work with baking, frying, or slow cooking.

You get juicy meat, crispy skin, and the freedom to keep it simple or try bold flavors. Honestly, they’re just reliable and hard to mess up.

Chicken legs are versatile—great for quick dinners or a dish that feels a bit more special. You can go spicy, savory, or keep it mild. There’s a lot you can do with them.

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Ingredients

• Chicken legs
• Your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken legs with your chosen spices.
3. Place the legs on a baking tray.
4. Bake for 35-45 minutes until cooked through and skin is crispy.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

1) Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Legs

Making honey garlic baked chicken legs is honestly a breeze. You just marinate the chicken in honey, garlic, and a couple of other basics.

The sauce bakes up sticky and sweet, coating the chicken perfectly. Slow baking lets those flavors really sink in.

The skin crisps up and turns golden. It’s honestly great for meal prep or a quick family dinner.

Serve with rice, veggies, or whatever side you’re craving. The sauce is tasty but not overpowering.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken legs
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, mustard, and butter in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken legs with the sauce.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
6. Baste chicken with sauce halfway through baking.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For the full recipe, check out honey garlic baked chicken legs.

2) Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

You can get crispy chicken drumsticks right in the oven—no deep fryer needed. Just season with salt, pepper, and whatever spices you love.

Bake them hot so the skin gets that crunch. Place them in one layer on your baking sheet.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway. That way, both sides crisp up.

If you want them extra crispy, pat the skin dry first. This method is easy and really hits the spot when you want a crunchy snack.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. Rub olive oil all over the drumsticks.
4. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; sprinkle evenly over the drumsticks.
5. Arrange drumsticks on a baking sheet in one layer.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

3) Spicy Curry Chicken Legs with Yogurt

The yogurt marinade makes these chicken legs extra tender and flavorful. Yogurt cools down the heat from the curry powder and chili paste.

Curry spices add warmth and a gentle kick, but it won’t blow your head off. Garlic and lime juice brighten up the marinade.

Let the chicken soak in the marinade for a few hours—trust me, it’s worth it. After that, just roast until golden and cooked through.

Serve with a spoonful of yogurt sauce or your favorite side.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken legs (drumsticks), skin on
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, curry powder, chili paste, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken legs in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast 35-40 minutes until cooked through and golden.
5. Serve hot with yogurt sauce or salad.

More details at curry-seasoned chicken drumsticks.

4) Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce Chicken Legs

Brown sugar and soy sauce make a sweet-and-salty glaze that’s hard to resist. Brown sugar brings sweetness, soy sauce adds a deep savory flavor.

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes—longer if you’ve got the time. The skin caramelizes in the oven and gets sticky.

Bake at 450°F (230°C) until golden and cooked through. You’ll end up with juicy meat and a flavorful glaze.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Place chicken legs in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them.
3. Marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until skin is sticky and chicken is cooked through.

5) Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Legs

Lemon herb roasted chicken legs are fresh and simple. Lemon juice and herbs like oregano or thyme give the chicken a bright, herby flavor.

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then marinate the chicken. Let those flavors soak in before roasting.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s easy enough for a weeknight.

Serve with veggies or rice if you want to round it out.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken legs in the marinade.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.

6) Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks are ridiculously easy. Fresh garlic and parmesan bring loads of flavor without much work.

The drumsticks bake up golden and crispy in the oven. If you want extra crunch, toss in some breadcrumbs or herbs.

Pair them with roasted veggies or potatoes. For more tips, check out garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the drumsticks in the mixture until well coated.
4. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil.
5. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on each drumstick (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

7) Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker BBQ chicken legs are honestly so hands-off. Start by rubbing the chicken with BBQ spices, then pour over barbecue sauce.

Let the slow cooker do its thing for 3 to 4 hours on high. The meat turns out super tender and juicy.

If you want crispy skin, pop them under the broiler for a few minutes. This recipe barely takes any effort but delivers big flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
• 2 ½ cups barbecue sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Rub chicken legs evenly with BBQ spice rub.
3. Place chicken legs in the slow cooker.
4. Pour 2 cups of barbecue sauce over the chicken.
5. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Remove chicken and brush with remaining sauce.
7. (Optional) Broil in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes for crispy skin.

8) Simple 3-Ingredient Baked Chicken Legs

If you’re in a rush, this three-ingredient recipe is a lifesaver. You only need chicken legs, olive oil, and some seasoning.

No need to marinate ahead. Just coat the legs, toss on some seasoning, and bake.

Crank the oven to 425°F (220°C) for crisp skin and juicy meat. Use whatever spices you’ve got on hand.

It’s a no-fuss way to get dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients

• Chicken legs
• Olive oil
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat chicken legs dry.
3. Rub olive oil all over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle seasoning evenly on each leg.
5. Place chicken on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until skin is crispy and juices run clear.
7. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

For a quick version, check out the 3 ingredient barbecue soy chicken drumsticks.

9) Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky teriyaki chicken drumsticks? Yeah, they’re a breeze to throw together. The sauce is sweet and savory, and it really clings to the chicken in this glossy, flavor-packed glaze.

No need for hours of marinating—just toss the chicken in the sauce and cook until the skin turns sticky and golden. You can bake these in the oven, which keeps the meat nice and juicy.

The sauce is simple: soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger. You probably have most of that on hand. Drumsticks like these can totally save your weeknight dinner plans.

If you’re in a hurry, simmer the chicken on the stovetop with teriyaki sauce and a splash of pineapple juice. It thickens up fast into a sticky glaze without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and pineapple juice in a bowl.
3. Place chicken drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Brush chicken with the sauce, saving some for basting.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting with sauce every 10 minutes.
6. Pull them out when the skin gets sticky and the meat’s cooked through.
7. Serve hot—dig in while they’re still glossy and warm.

For more recipe details, check out easy baked teriyaki chicken drumsticks.

10) Mediterranean Marinated Chicken Legs

These Mediterranean marinated chicken legs are all about those punchy, sun-soaked flavors. The marinade? Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano—super classic.

Let the legs sit in that marinade for at least an hour. Honestly, if you have time, go longer.

Bake the chicken until the skin crisps up and the meat is tender. It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, and it’s solid for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Pair them with a crisp salad or roasted veggies if you’re feeling it. It’s a simple way to bring a little Mediterranean flair home.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Toss the chicken legs in and coat everything with that marinade.

3. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour—four if you’ve got the time.

4. Heat up your oven to 400°F (200°C).

5. Lay the chicken out on a baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or just until it’s cooked through and smells amazing.

6. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.