Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Sharing is caring!

“When life gets busy, I always fall back on these simple baked chicken drumsticks. With just a handful of pantry spices and minimal prep work, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s my go-to recipe for those evenings when I need something reliable that everyone will enjoy.

No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later ⤵️

Crispy Baked Drumsticks

“Looking for a fuss-free chicken dinner that delivers big on flavor? These drumsticks are my family’s favorite. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Just 10 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest while you focus on sides.

What You’ll Need to Cook

Chicken Drumsticks: Choose drumsticks of similar size for even cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Fresh chicken works best, but thawed frozen drumsticks also work well – ensure they are fully defrosted and dry.

Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor, although any cooking oil will work. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes crispy skin. Just a light coating is needed – too much will prevent crisping.

Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic can burn at high temperatures, so garlic powder provides that essential flavor without risk of burning. Look for garlic powder without added salt to better control the overall seasoning.

Paprika: Regular paprika adds color and mild flavor, while smoked paprika adds an excellent smoky depth. For heat, substitute with hot paprika or add cayenne pepper. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and color.

Dried Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano create a classic herb blend. These herbs withstand high-temperature cooking better than fresh herbs. Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more flavor.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Remove the chicken drumsticks from their packaging and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels. Any moisture left on the skin will create steam in the oven, preventing that desirable crispiness we’re after.

Place the dried drumsticks in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil – about two tablespoons should be enough for 12 drumsticks. Using your hands (wearing food-safe gloves if you prefer), massage the oil onto each drumstick, ensuring that every part of the skin is lightly coated.

Step 2: Season the Drumsticks

In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create your seasoning blend.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled drumsticks. Using your hands, rub the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated on all sides. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to begin penetrating the meat.

Step 3: Arrange for Baking

Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or well-oiled and place a wire rack on top. The rack elevates the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate all around each drumstick, resulting in crispy skin on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the drumsticks directly on the foil-lined baking sheet, but you’ll need to flip them halfway through cooking.

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the rack with at least an inch of space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan will create steam and prevent the food from crisping properly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.

For extra crispy skin, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning – the skin can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly under the broiler.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. For longer storage, wrap each drumstick individually in foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat refrigerated drumsticks while maintaining their crispy texture, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the skin soggy.

For frozen drumsticks, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the oven method above.

What To Serve With Them

These versatile chicken drumsticks pair beautifully with so many sides:

• Smoked Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of smoke complements the crispy chicken perfectly
• Smoked Baked Beans – Rich, smoky beans make for a hearty side dish
• Grilled Garlic Bread – The perfect side to chicken is crispy garlic bread
• Loaded Potato Casserole– Creamy potatoes with bacon bits and cheese make this a crowd-pleasing pairing
• Bacon Mac and Cheese – Extra cheesy and creamy with delicious crispy bacon

📌 Did you try this recipe?

Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?

I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!

📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.

Smoke On!

Charlie

Hungry For More?