🔥 Keto Chicken Legs – Crispy, Juicy, and Perfect for Any Low-Carb Meal
Meta Title: Keto Chicken Legs Recipe | Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Meta Description: This Keto Chicken Legs recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor—baked to perfection and low in carbs. Perfect for keto weeknight dinners!
🍗 Introduction
If you’re on a keto or low-carb diet and craving something crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Keto Chicken Legs are the answer. Oven-baked with a zesty spice rub and finished with a golden crispy skin, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or keto-friendly gatherings.
The best part? You only need simple pantry spices, olive oil, and chicken drumsticks—no breading, no frying, and just 2g net carbs per serving.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
✅ Crispy skin without flour or breading
✅ Only 2g net carbs per serving
✅ High-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free
✅ Perfect for keto meal prep
✅ Done in under an hour!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional – for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tip: Adjust the cayenne for a mild or spicy kick based on your preference!
⏱ Recipe Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
🔪 How to Make Keto Chicken Legs – Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3️⃣ Season the Chicken
- Drizzle olive oil over the legs and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Use your hands to rub it in thoroughly for full flavor.
4️⃣ Bake on a Wire Rack
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place a wire rack on the sheet and lay the chicken legs on the rack. This allows heat to circulate and helps the skin crisp up.
5️⃣ Bake Until Crispy & Done
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
6️⃣ Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
🥗 What to Serve With Keto Chicken Legs
These chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with keto-friendly sides like:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles or sautéed spinach
- Keto coleslaw or mixed green salad
- Cauliflower mash for a comfort food twist
🔥 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Estimates based on standard ingredients; may vary by brand or portion size.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 38g
💡 Tips for Perfect Keto Chicken Legs
- Dry the chicken well for extra crispy skin.
- Use a wire rack to allow airflow under the chicken during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid over- or undercooking.
- Double the batch and meal prep for the week—these reheat beautifully!
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
Absolutely! This spice rub works great on thighs, wings, or even bone-in breasts—just adjust cooking time based on size.
❓ Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! These drumsticks store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy second round.
❓ How do I make these extra crispy?
Try broiling for the last 2–3 minutes of baking or pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
📌 Final Thoughts
These Keto Chicken Legs are a no-fuss, flavor-packed, and macro-friendly recipe you’ll want to make again and again. With just a handful of pantry spices, you can enjoy crispy, golden-baked chicken that satisfies your cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.
Perfect for busy weeknights, BBQs, or weekly meal prep—this recipe proves that keto doesn’t have to be boring.
📸 Share & Tag Us!
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