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Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs garnished with fresh herbs and served with vegetables

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs

Juicy chicken drumsticks seasoned with bold lemon pepper flavor and oven baked for crispy skin, perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 8-10 pieces Chicken drumsticks
  • 2-3 teaspoons Lemon pepper seasoning Start with 2 and adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Less if your seasoning is salty.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Optional but great for color.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 piece Fresh lemon Zest and wedges for serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Add a rack if you have one and lightly oil it.
  3. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
  4. Add olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and paprika to the bowl. Toss until the drumsticks are evenly coated.
Baking
  1. Arrange the drumsticks on the pan with space between them. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes depending on size, flipping around the 20-minute mark if not using a rack.
  2. Check doneness using a thermometer, aim for 165°F in the thickest part. Alternatively, cut into the largest piece and ensure the juices run clear.
  3. Optionally, broil for 1 to 3 minutes for extra browning, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serving
  1. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes for best results. Can also freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months.