Baked Chicken Drumsticks : Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these drumsticks are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Why Baked Chicken Drumsticks Are a Weeknight Hero
Chicken drumsticks are not only affordable but also naturally juicy and flavorful. Baking them in the oven eliminates the mess of frying and creates crispy skin with a perfectly cooked, tender interior. Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable—add your favorite spices or marinades for variety!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Dry the chicken: Patting the drumsticks dry before seasoning ensures the skin crisps up.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between the drumsticks for proper air circulation.
Use a wire rack: Placing the drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet helps excess fat drip off, resulting in crispier skin.
Rest before serving: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
Recipe Variations to Try
Honey Garlic Drumsticks : Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 minced garlic cloves to your seasoning mix for a sweet and savory twist.
Spicy Drumsticks : Toss in cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Lemon Herb Drumsticks : Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks and add dried herbs like oregano or basil before baking.
BBQ Drumsticks : Brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for a smoky, sticky finish.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These oven-baked drumsticks pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Classic sides: Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, roasted veggies, or rice.
- Healthy options: A fresh garden salad, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Comfort foods: Mac and cheese, garlic bread, or baked sweet potatoes.
Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or tzatziki for an added burst of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave as it softens the skin.
Recipe FAQs
How long does it take to bake chicken drumsticks?
It typically takes 35-40 minutes to bake drumsticks at 400°F (200°C). Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I get crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks?
Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning, bake at a high temperature, and broil for a few minutes at the end.
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
What’s the best seasoning for baked drumsticks?
Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper are classics. Feel free to add herbs, chili powder, or marinades for variety.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Season the drumsticks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Baked Chicken Drumsticks : Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these drumsticks are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or ½ tsp regular salt)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a seasoning paste.
- Using a pastry brush (or your hands), evenly coat the drumsticks with the seasoning paste. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the drumsticks reach an internal temp of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check, avoiding the bone.
- Baste with pan juices for extra flavor and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 402Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 231mgSodium: 494mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 44g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baked chicken drumsticks are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have crispy, tender chicken that the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, these drumsticks will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
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