To cook chicken legs in the oven, the cooking time depends on the oven temperature:
- At 400°F (204°C), bake bone-in chicken legs for about 40-45 minutes.
- At 375°F (190°C), bake for 45-55 minutes.
- At 350°F (177°C), bake for 50-60 minutes.
- At 425°F (218°C), baking for about 40-45 minutes is typical, which also helps achieve crispy skin.
The chicken legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, avoiding contact with the bone for an accurate reading
. Some sources recommend cooking chicken legs to a higher internal temperature of 185-195°F (85-90°C) for more tender, "fall-off-the-bone" meat due to collagen breakdown, especially for dark meat portions like legs and thighs
. Additional tips:
- Preheat the oven before baking.
- Pat chicken dry for crispier skin.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking to retain juices
In summary, baking chicken legs at around 400°F for 40-45 minutes is a reliable method, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.