1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                    [WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK LETTERHEAD]



                               September 14, 2000


Chesapeake Energy Corporation
6100 North Western Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK  73118

         Re:      Registration Statement
                  on Form S-1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about September 15, 2000.
The Registration Statement covers the offer and sale of 389,378 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share, of Chesapeake Energy Corporation by the selling
shareholder named in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement. We
have also examined your Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and your minute
books and other corporate records, and have made such other investigation as we
have deemed necessary in order to render the opinions expressed herein.

         Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares covered
by the Registration Statement have been legally issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable in accordance with the Oklahoma General Corporation Act.

         Consent is hereby given for the inclusion of this opinion as part of
the Registration Statement.


                                     Very truly yours,

                                     /s/ WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.

                                     WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.