How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 350°F

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven

When baking chicken legs in the oven at 350°F, the recommended cooking time is typically between 40-50 minutes. This duration ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, resulting in a tender and juicy meal.

Is It Ok To Cook Chicken Legs At 350?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe and recommended to cook chicken legs at 350°F in the oven. This optimal temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and evenly while maintaining its juiciness and flavor, ensuring safe cooking practices and food safety.

How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 350°F In The Oven

Chicken legs, whether they are bone-in or skinless, should be baked in the oven at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes. The cooking time remains consistent due to the thickness and density of the meat. 

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs At 350 Covered

When baking chicken legs covered with aluminum foil at 350°F, it typically takes about 60-75 minutes. The cover helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, enhancing the flavor profile of the poultry. This moisture-lock technique ensures a juicy outcome.

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs At 350 Uncovered

Baking chicken legs uncovered at 350°F usually takes about 40-50 minutes. This method gives the chicken a crispier skin, adding to the texture and taste profile of the dish. The direct heat and air circulation in the oven help achieves golden brown, crispy skin.

How Long To Bake Frozen Chicken Legs At 350

Frozen chicken legs should be baked at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes. It’s important to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, following USDA guidelines for food safety. This method allows you to safely cook chicken legs straight from the freezer, ensuring the ice crystals fully melt and the chicken cooks evenly without thawing.

How Long To Bake Bbq Chicken Legs At 350

BBQ chicken legs should be baked at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes, then an additional 10 minutes with the BBQ sauce to caramelize and add flavor, creating a savory dish with a unique taste profile. The barbecue glaze gives the chicken legs a sweet and smoky flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How Long To Bake Marinated Chicken Legs At 350

Marinated chicken legs should be baked at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes. The marinade can help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, enhancing the culinary experience. The flavor infusion from the marinade ingredients results in a deeper, more complex taste.

How Long To Bake Large Chicken Legs At 350

Large chicken legs, typically about 2-3 inches in diameter, may require a longer cooking time at 350°F, usually about 55-65 minutes. This is slightly longer than smaller chicken legs, which are about 1-2 inches in diameter, and usually take about 40-50 minutes. The additional cooking time for larger chicken legs is due to their increased thickness and size.

How Long To Bake Whole Chicken Legs At 350

Whole chicken legs, which include the thigh and drumstick, should be baked at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. This method of cooking the complete leg piece allows for a more substantial serving.

How Long To Bake Breaded Chicken Legs At 350

Breaded chicken legs should be baked at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes until the breading is golden brown and crispy. The breadcrumb layer provides a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall taste profile of the chicken legs.

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs And Thighs At 350

Chicken legs and thighs should be baked together at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes. The thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content in the thighs, which contributes to a richer flavor. This method of cooking combines the lower body parts of the chicken, providing a hearty serving.

How Long To Cook Chicken Legs In Convection Oven At 350

In a convection oven, chicken legs should be cooked at 350°F for about 35-45 minutes. The convection oven circulates hot air, which can reduce the cooking time and ensure a more evenly cooked meal. This efficient heat distribution results in a perfectly roasted chicken leg.

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven
How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven

Baked Chicken Legs Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cooking spray

How To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven At 350

  1. Place the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the bowl and coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven
How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven

How To Know When Chicken Legs Are Done

Chicken legs are done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, the juices run clear, and the meat is no longer pink at the bone. This can be verified using a meat thermometer, a key piece of kitchen equipment for ensuring food safety.

What Color Is Chicken Leg Done?

A fully cooked chicken leg should be white or off-white. The juices should run clear when the meat is pierced, indicating a well-cooked piece of poultry. This visual doneness cue is a reliable indicator of a safely cooked chicken leg.

What Color Is Undercooked Chicken Thigh?

Undercooked chicken thighs have pink color and the juices do not run clear when the meat is pierced. This is a key indicator to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure safe cooking practices. It’s important to avoid consuming chicken with this unsafe color indicator.

Can Drumsticks Be A Little Pink?

While a small amount of pinkness can be normal, it’s important to ensure the chicken drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat, adhering to USDA guidelines. The color of the drumstick should not be relied upon as the sole indicator of doneness.

What Is The Internal Temperature For Chicken Legs? 

The minimum internal temperature for chicken legs should reach at least 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat, according to the USDA food and safety standards.

How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven
How Long To Bake Chicken Legs In The Oven

How To Store Leftover Baked Chicken Legs 

  • In The Fridge: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring food preservation.
  • In The Freezer: You can freeze leftover chicken legs in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months, preventing food waste and aiding in meal planning.

How To Tell If Chicken Legs Are Bad

Chicken legs or drumsticks are bad if they have a sour smell, or slimy texture, or if they have been stored in the fridge for more than 4 days. These are key indicators of food freshness and safety. It’s important to discard any chicken drumsticks that show these signs of spoilage.

How To Reheat Leftover Baked Chicken Legs

  • In Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat for 15-20 minutes.
  • In Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
  • In Microwave: Reheat on high for 1-2 minutes.

How Do You Reheat Chicken Legs Without Drying Them Out?

To prevent drying out, cover the chicken legs with foil when reheating in the oven or air fryer. In the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the chicken. These are simple cooking hacks to maintain the juiciness of the chicken.

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Legs 

Baked chicken legs can be served with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. These food pairings create a balanced meal that caters to various dietary needs.

Baked Chicken Legs Nutrition Facts 

  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: 18.7 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3.2 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Cholesterol: 105 milligrams
  • Sodium: 309 milligrams
  • Protein: 19.8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams
  • Fiber: 0.1 grams
  • Sugar: 0.1 grams


If you are looking to adjust the cooking time for different oven temperatures, you can use our adjusting cooking time calculator.

How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 350°F

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour 50 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:265 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Chicken legs, whether they are bone-in or skinless, should be baked in the oven at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes. The cooking time remains consistent due to the thickness and density of the meat. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F according to the USDA, ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly. This results in a well-cooked chicken leg that is juicy and tender.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the bowl and coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Keywords:How Long to Bake Chicken Legs at 350°F, chicken legs 350

Hamdi Saidani

Hamdi Saidani has been a food and recipe blogger for more than 5 years years. He specializes in creating and recreating recipes from top chefs, making them easy to follow and accessible for home cooks.

4 Comments

  1. Good info. Thank you. Always like multiple thoughts on baking chicken

    1. Hi Jason,

      Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your interest in baking chicken! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the information on baking chicken legs helpful. It’s always great to exchange ideas and tips on cooking methods.

      If you’re ever looking for more culinary inspiration or have specific questions about baking chicken or other recipes, feel free to reach out. I’d be more than happy to share more insights or discuss different cooking techniques. Cooking is a journey, and it’s always more enjoyable with fellow food enthusiasts like you!

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