How long to cook chicken legs in oven at 350?

I know timing how long to cook food in ovens at a certain heat is difficult, but are you wondering how long to bake chicken legs at 350°F? Make sure the food is thoroughly cooked but not burned.

I’ll therefore assist you in determining the ideal time to remove your chicken legs from the oven in this article. Additionally, you will discover how to cook in the oven like a pro, how to upgrade your chicken, important details, and recipes for chicken legs

Ingredients:

  • Chicken legs (chicken drumsticks): I love this simple and inexpensive cut of meat and this recipe really makes it shine! Look for chicken legs with the skin on for this recipe.
  • Honey: this helps the sauce to thicken and be a little sticky, if you dont have honey on hand you can sub it for your favorite jam that doesnt have seeds. My favorites are peach and apricot jam for this recipe
  • Soy sauce: this adds tons of flavor and color to the sauce and is the salt in the dish
  • Ketchup this is the base of the sauce and also thickens while cooking, you could sub this for a favorite barbeque sauce
  • Garlic: this adds so much flavor with just one ingredient!

Image of a steak

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup Choose a high-sided dish, preferably a sheet pan, to prevent the sauce from spilling and allow the chicken to caramelize properly.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a glass measuring cup, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic. If the mixture doesn’t combine well, microwave it on high for 30 seconds and stir again.
  4. Arrange the chicken legs in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Rotate the chicken legs: Take the chicken out of the oven and rotate it so that the bottom side, which was in the sauce, is now on top, out of the sauce. This ensures even cooking and browning.
  7. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
  8. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized on the chicken legs.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and ensures a more tender texture.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
  • Serve the chicken with the sauce it cooked in. This adds extra flavor and moisture.
  • Pair the chicken with rice, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
  • Adapt the recipe for the slow cooker: Use 1/2 cup each of ketchup, honey, and soy sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  • For crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

How to Make Baked Chicken Legs:

  • Prep a baking dish by lining it with foil (you dont have to but it makes clean up easier).
  • Mix up your sauce.
  • Place all the chicken legs in the dish and pour the sauce over the top.
  • Bake, turn up the heat at the end, and enjoy this tender juicy chicken hot with your favorite side dishes (we love this with mashed potatoes and green beans).
  • Get the FULL RECIPE below!

️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.

  • DO NOT SKIP THE PAT DRY, or you will not have crispy skin. Please see Chicken: To Rinse or Not To Rinse?
  • Check the cut joint area for loose parts. You may be handing this to a child and dont need loose bone aspirated.
  • Cooking on a rack gets the meat off the pan, and with convection, all sides of the legs will be cooked evenly. But if you dont have a rack, use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Cook at high temp, and you must use a meat thermometer to be sure you get to 185°. Do not guess.
  • Spice as you want. Just salt and pepper are enough.
  • Scale to any amount you need.

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.

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

How long does it take to bake drumsticks at 350?

FAQ

How long does it take to cook drumsticks at 350?

I like to start with a preheated 350 degree F. oven and bake them for 45 minutes, rotate the legs, raise the heat to 425 degrees F., and put them back for about another 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and everything looks caramelized. Turning the legs is key to getting the sauce on “top” of the chicken legs!

How long does it take to bake chicken at 350 covered?

To bake chicken breast at 350 degrees, the ideal cooking time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes. However, the exact duration may depend on various factors, such as the thickness of the chicken breast, whether it’s bone-in or boneless, and whether it’s fresh or frozen.

How long do you cook chicken legs in the oven at 400?

Generally, chicken drumsticks will need about 35-45 minutes in the oven when baked at 400 degrees. At 375 degrees, you will need to cook your thighs a bit longer. But remember, these timings can fluctuate based on the size of your drumsticks and the precise temperature calibration of your oven

What temperature should chicken legs be cooked to?

Armed with an accurate thermometer like the Thermapen you can verify the safety and quality of your chicken—regardless of its color. A probe inserted into the thermal center of a chicken breast, leg, or thigh should read 165°F (74°C) when it’s time to eat.

How long does it take to cook chicken legs in the oven?

The cooking time depends on the oven temperature and the size of the chicken legs. Generally, it takes about 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

Is chicken drumstick dark meat?

Yes, chicken drumsticks are considered dark meat, known for their richer flavor and juicier texture compared to white meat.

Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken legs are ideal for this recipe as they provide more flavor and moisture.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken legs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken legs, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted as they cook faster.

Can I substitute the honey with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with your favorite jam that doesn’t have seeds, such as peach or apricot jam.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with different sauces, such as barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken legs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken legs?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken legs for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat the chicken legs?

You can reheat the chicken legs in the oven at 350 degrees F until they are warmed through.

What are some side dishes that go well with baked chicken legs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, and green beans are all excellent side dishes for baked chicken legs.

What are some other chicken leg recipes I can try?

  • Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken Legs
  • Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Legs
  • 4-Ingredient Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs
  • Crispy Panko-Crusted Baked Chicken Legs
  • 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

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