1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature works wonders for juicy baked chicken legs with crispy skin. Pat the 8 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps the spices stick and promotes crispiness.

2-Second Step: Season the Chicken In a large bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Toss the chicken drumsticks in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This step infuses the meat with flavor for mouthwatering oven chicken.

3-Third Step: Arrange for Baking Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on the sheet, spacing them out so air can circulate. For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to let fat drip away.

4-Fourth Step: Bake the Chicken Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through, around the 20-25 minute mark, to ensure even cooking. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy baked chicken legs. This timing makes for perfect crispy baked chicken legs every time.

5-Fifth Step: Rest and Serve Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat tender. Serve your baked drumsticks hot with your favorite sides, like a simple salad or veggies, for a complete meal that satisfies the whole family.