Chicken legs or drumsticks are one of those recipes we get nostalgic over when we see them. These delicious pieces of poultry are a significant part of our growing up. We remember those barbecue days of grilling the juicy drumsticks over an open flame or frying it in oil. And as time passed, we found better ways to prepare them in the oven.
But the cooking temperature varies with each recipe, and the difference can confuse. It’s why we’ve compiled this instructional article on how to make tasty chicken legs in a 350F oven. It’s imperative to understand the best ways to cook chicken drumsticks at a specific temperature so that we can get it right every time. So, if this is what you want, then keep reading for more information.
Chicken Legs Nutrition Facts
First Things First
You don’t want to jump straight to cooking chicken legs in the oven, especially if you’re new to this technique. Like all other methods, some essential steps must be taken from the start to ensure the recipe comes out perfectly.
Prepare the Chicken Legs
Most times, chicken legs are sold frozen. And if you already have some around, chances are they’ve been sitting in the freezer all this time. So the first thing you’ll have to do is thaw the frozen chicken drumsticks. And you can do it by leaving it for 24 hours in the fridge or keeping it in cold water until it defrosts.
Prepare the Oven
Set the oven to 350F and place a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Then, set the chicken drumsticks on the frame for cooking. The pan will collect the drippings that ooze out of the chicken legs as they cook. And at 350F, the chicken will reach the desired doneness without the skin getting too crispy. Plus, the rack allows the drumsticks to cook evenly without the issue of any piece coming out undone.
Season the Chicken Legs
A combination of pepper and salt is enough for this recipe, but you can consider other options for seasoning. Good choices include BBQ sauce, all-purpose seasoning, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You can also select from onion powder to red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, cayenne, and poultry seasoning.
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Cooking Time for Chicken Legs in a 350F Oven
In a 350F oven, the chicken drumsticks will cook for 40 to 45 minutes to meet the required internal temperature of 165F. But if you want less fibrous tissues in the chicken legs, aim for a final temperature of 185F. You can check for the doneness temperature with a meat thermometer.
Resting the Chicken Legs
Once the chicken drumsticks have reached the internal doneness, you’ll need to rest them before serving. So, allow them to sit for about 10 minutes so that the juices can redistribute along with the tissues. With this waiting period, the chicken legs come out moist and juicy when served.
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Serving Baked Chicken Legs
You can serve this oven-baked chicken drumstick with French fries, mashed potatoes, cornbread, roasted sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob. You can also pair this recipe with pasta, rice, and roasted vegetables or serve with a drizzle of your favorite sauce or stew.
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How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in the Oven at 350F
Ingredients
- Six chicken legs, one and a half pounds each
- All-purpose seasoning
- Pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Set the oven to preheat at 350F, and prepare the chicken legs by drying them with paper towels. Also, cut off any loose skin or joint pieces from the drumsticks.
- Sprinkle the seasoning, along with pepper and salt, and generous rub it into the meat as you do. Then, place the drumsticks on the rack, and put the frame in the roasting pan. Make sure the thickest part is faced upwards on the stand. And you can also line the roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup.
- Set the pan in the oven and cook the chicken legs till they reach an internal temperature of 185F- about 40 to 45 minutes. You can check for this doneness by sticking a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken drumsticks, ensuring the probe doesn’t touch the bone.
- Once the chicken legs are done, allow them to sit on a plate for 10 minutes, so the juice reabsorbs into the tissues. Then, serve as desired with any side dish you prefer.
You can also see more information on this cooking method in this video recipe.