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Home » Recipes » Chicken

Buttermilk Old Bay Chicken Legs

Published: May 24, 2023 by Kate

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Plate of drumsticks and ingredients on a table, with text: Buttermilk and Old Bay Chicken Legs.

Old Bay Chicken Legs are made with the perfect combination of zesty Old Bay seasoning, tangy buttermilk, and aromatic onion and garlic powders! Whether you prefer them cooked in the air fryer, oven-baked, or deep-fried method, this recipe has got you covered.

A plate with chicken drumsticks.

Rich, flavorful and oh-so-easy, you're going to love these Old Bay Chicken Legs! Oven-baked or cooked in the air fryer.

By using Old Bay seasoning in this recipe, you'll elevate the taste of your chicken legs to a whole new level, giving your taste buds a delightful explosion of flavors

There's something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken drumsticks that have been infused with a medley of flavorful spices.

In this recipe, we're taking chicken legs to a whole new level of deliciousness with the help of Old Bay seasoning, buttermilk, onion powder, and garlic powder.

It turns chicken legs into something special, but you only need a few simple ingredients.

If you love those tender dark meat drumsticks, then be sure to also try Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Legs, Honey Mustard Chicken Legs, or BBQ Chicken Legs In Oven. I love this versatile cut of poultry! They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or a cookout.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Chicken Recipes
  • Recipe Tips
  • Food Safety Tips
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Old Bay seasoning is a classic blend of herbs and spices that originated in Maryland, USA. It adds a zesty and tangy kick to any dish, infusing it with a unique blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and more. Try making your own homemade old bay seasoning.
  • Whether you're hosting a casual gathering, planning a family meal, or even preparing a quick weeknight dinner, Old Bay Chicken Legs are an ideal choice. The recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion and can be easily adjusted to accommodate different spice preferences.
  • Buttermilk is a secret weapon when it comes to achieving moist and tender chicken. When used as a marinade, the acidity in buttermilk helps to break down the proteins, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken leg. The tangy, creamy flavor of buttermilk perfectly complements the zesty and aromatic Old Bay seasoning.
Ingredients on a table.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

  • Chicken legs
  • Buttermilk
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Making the buttermilk old bay marinade.

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Old Bay seasoning, oil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken legs marinating in a buttermilk old bay marinade.

Add the chicken legs to the marinade and gently stir to coat evenly.

Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Air fryer of chicken legs.

Air Fry

  • Remove the chicken legs from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each drumstick.
  • Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Oven Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with foil, leaving space between each piece.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Table with a plate of Old Bay Chicken Legs.

Deep Fry

  • Heat about 1" of oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
  • Carefully lower the chicken legs into the preheated oil and fry the chicken legs for about 12 minutes, turning each piece over halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if necessary.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and rest.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your Old Bay Chicken Legs meal, here are a few side dish suggestions that pair beautifully:

  1. Coleslaw: The cool and crunchy texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy and flavorful chicken legs.
  2. Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread makes it a delightful accompaniment to the zesty flavors of Old Bay Chicken Legs.
  3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, adds a hearty and nutritious element to the meal.
  4. Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge your taste buds with the rich and creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese, which complements the flavors of the chicken legs perfectly.
  5. KFC Macaroni Salad - Make the fast food fave at home!

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Recipe Tips

  • To ensure that the chicken legs are cooked all the way through and are safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn't touch the bone.
  • When frying chicken legs, it's important not to overcrowd the pot, baking sheet, or fryer.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and get them nice and juicy, and the coating to set.

Food Safety Tips

  • Before cooking, wash your hands and countertops.
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that has touched raw meat.
  • Always wash your hands after touching raw meat.
  • Never leave cooking food unattended.
  • Keep those pot/pan handles turned in away from the front of the stove.
  • When cooking at high temperatures, use oils with a high smoking point, to avoid harmful compounds.
  • Ensure you have good ventilation when cooking on gas.
  • Put foods in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking. Reduce this to within 1 hour if it is 90 degrees or hotter outside.
  • Safely thaw food in the fridge, under cold running water, or in the microwave.
  • To ensure food is cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can’t always tell by looking.

Cook to safe temperatures:

  • Beef, Pork, Lamb: 145 °F
  • Fish: 145 °F
  • Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Ground Lamb: 160 °F
  • Turkey, Chicken, Duck: 165 °F

Chicken safety: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken. Before serving, ensure the chicken is piping hot and thoroughly cooked, juices run clear and no pink color remains.

Three chicken drumsticks on a plate.

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📖 Recipe

Close up of Old Bay Chicken Legs on a plate.

Old Bay Chicken Legs

Indulge in zesty Old Bay Chicken Legs with tangy buttermilk and aromatic spices. Choose your cooking method: air fryer, oven, or deep-fried!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Old Bay Chicken Legs
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 388kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
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Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken legs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Old Bay seasoning, oil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the chicken legs to the marinade and gently stir to coat evenly.
  • Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

To Air Fry

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Remove the chicken legs from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each drumstick.
  • Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

To Oven Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  • Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping each chicken leg halfway through, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the Old Bay Chicken Legs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

To Deep Fry

  • Heat about 1" of oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
  • Carefully lower the chicken legs into the preheated oil with tongs, and fry the chicken legs for about 12 minutes, turning each piece over halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if necessary so they're not overcrowded.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and rest.
Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 241mg | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 722mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. dina and bruce miller

    May 24, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    You are a genius! And we now have chicken legs marinating! Love the idea of adding Old Bay! Get ready for a delish dinner tonight!

    Reply
  2. gunjan

    May 24, 2023 at 1:48 pm

    5 stars
    very well written recipe and was absolutely doable. We loved loved this for our dinner last night. Will definitely make it again and I highly recommend it.

    Reply
  3. Dannii

    May 26, 2023 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    The buttermilk made these so incredibly tender. The seasoning was perfect too.

    Reply
  4. Andrea

    June 01, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    5 stars
    These chicken legs were easy and good. Made them for my family because the kids hate spicy and these were mild but still had lots of flavor for the grown ups haha.

    Reply
  5. Hayley Dhanecha

    June 02, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    5 stars
    Such a flavourful and easy recipe, loved the seasoning. I have only used Old bay with fish before, but it was perfect with chicken. Thanks for the recipe

    Reply

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Kate cooking.

Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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