One of the recipes that makes us feel nostalgic is chicken drumsticks or legs. These mouthwatering chicken pieces have played a big role in our development. We recall the times when we would grill juicy drumsticks over an open flame or deep-fry them. And as time went on, we discovered more effective methods for baking them.
But each recipe calls for a different cooking temperature, and this variation can be confusing. We’ve put together this guide to show you how to cook flavorful chicken legs in a 350°F oven because of this. To get it right every time, it’s critical to comprehend the best techniques for cooking chicken drumsticks at a particular temperature. So, if this is what you’re looking for, keep reading to learn more.
How to make baked chicken drumsticks
Step by step instructions:
️What is the best final temperature for chicken legs
For baked chicken legs, the ideal internal temperature is 185° or higher, at which point the connective tissue melts and the meat becomes moist and tender.
The connective tissue will start to melt at 175°. By 185°, you are getting moist and tender results. America Test Kitchen takes it a step further for both thighs and drumsticks and suggests 190° to 195° as the target internal temperature range. American Test Kitchen—For Perfectly Tender Chicken Thighs, Overcook Them.
Many people want to cook chicken legs to 165°, the FDA’s minimum safe internal temperature for chicken, but doing so will make the connective tissue in the legs tough and stringy.
Drumsticks of chicken are cooked, and a lot of the fat and liquid drains. Although you can cook drumsticks without a rack, it will make you happier. Cooking will be quicker, more even, and easier to clean up.
You can if you wish. The skin will be dry and crispy without oil, but it will be thicker and less crispy with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
No, it will interfere with the cooking.
400° to 425° is the ideal oven temperature for baking chicken legs. When the connective tissue melts and the meat becomes moist and tender, it will produce crispy skin and a temperature of 185° or higher. Lower temperatures, such as 350° or 375°, can be used, but the meat may be dryer, the skin won’t be as crispy, and the baking time will increase.
Good refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Also, they should freeze fine for 3-4 months. Reheat by thawing first, then reheat in an oven.
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Preheat oven to 425° convection. Pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels.
Trim off any extra skin and any loose joint pieces.
Spice to taste with salt and pepper. Use other seasonings if you wish. Here Im using All Purpose Seasoning – 7:2:1 and 7:2:2.
The thicker portion of the chicken legs should be placed on the outside of the sheet pan. Line the tray with aluminum foil to help clean up. The chicken is raised on a rack so that all of its sides can cook equally. You can cook without the rack but better with it. Obviously, a liberal application of PAM to the rack or foil
Cook to 185°+ internal temp—about 35 minutes. DO NOT STOP SHORT of 185°. But up to 195° is fine.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. They are far too hot to eat now, but they’ll taste better later.
How Long To Cook Chicken Legs In Oven At 350℉
So, here is the part you are looking for. The table below is the estimated time to cook chicken legs in the oven at 350℉, according to USDA. (2)
| Chicken parts | Weight | Cooking time (In the oven at 350℉) |
| Legs or Thighs | 4 to 8 oz | 40 to 50 minutes |
| Drumsticks | 4 oz | 35 to 45 minutes |
As I mentioned above, chicken legs are dark meat. They have a much higher density and fat content than other parts. Therefore, chicken legs require more time to cook than other parts of the bird.
Make sure the foods are not crowded in the oven, and distribute them evenly for effective heating. The meat is also not frozen or foil-wrapped.