These Baked Chicken Drumsticks are tender and juicy with a crispy skin that will blow your mind. The mix of spices gives this savory dish lots of flavor for a meal you can’t resist.
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
I love this simple yet flavorful Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe. This is such a versatile dish that I can serve it with literally anything for a great meal that doesn’t take a lot of effort. This is my go-to recipe for busy weeknight dinners and I hope it becomes a favorite for you, too!
- TASTE: The chicken is savory and delicious with a coating of spices that add great flavor. Smoky, salty, and pungent, this dish is so tasty.
- TEXTURE: These baked drumsticks have a crisp skin that’s super juicy. The tender meat inside pulls apart with each yummy bite.
- TIME: This recipe takes about 40 minutes to make.
- EASE: This is a really easy dish to make. With just chicken, oil, and seasonings, it’s easy to pull together and just needs some simple prep.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken drumsticks- We use skin-on drumsticks because we love getting them super crispy. Bone-in chicken is also extra moist.
- Olive oil- This will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken.
- Seasonings- Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor and the mustard powder has a tangy, sharp flavor. The Onion powder, Garlic powder, Black pepper, and Sea salt are also great flavor enhancers.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute other proteins- You can try this recipe with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, chicken wings, or even pork loin.
- Add some heat- We like some cayenne pepper added to ours when we want a spicy take on this dish. You can also add hot sauce, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes.
- Remove the skin- If you don’t mind it being less crispy and you want a slightly healthier version, remove the skin before adding the seasoning.
How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Make the seasoning mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder until well combined.
- Toss the chicken with the oil and spices. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss until each drumstick is evenly coated.
- Add the rest of the spice blend. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and toss again until the chicken is thoroughly coated on all sides.
- Sear the chicken. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes per side, until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.
- Bake the drumsticks. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Rest it and serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with your favorite sides.
Pro Tip: The chicken should bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 175–185°F with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part (near the bone).
Recipe Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet- Not only can it be used for searing and baking to skip extra dishes, but the cast iron ensures a nice crispness.
- Sear the drumsticks first– For crispy baked chicken drumsticks, sear the outside on the stove first so the outside is golden brown and crisp. Then bake until done.
- Let the meat rest- You want to let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Otherwise they will run out when you cut into it, leaving the meat dry.
FAQs
It’s better to cook chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the chicken a crispy skin and reduces the cooking time. Lower temperatures can cause the skin to become rubbery.
Do get the skin crispy, you should bake the chicken drumsticks uncovered. This allows direct heat to hit the skin, causing it to crisp up while the inside cooks.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is great with so many side dishes. Enjoy them with salad, veggies, potatoes, and of course sauces.
- Sauces: Dip your chicken into some BBQ Sauce, Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, or any other favorite.
- Salads: Serve your chicken legs with a fresh salad, like this Spinach Pomegranate Salad, Chopped Caprese Salad, Cabbage Cucumber Salad, or Broccoli Cranberry Salad.
- Vegetables: Pair this dish with some Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
- Potatoes: Enjoy these drumsticks with some Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Crispy Air Fryer French Fries, or Scalloped Potatoes. Rice is also a great starch with this chicken.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: You can prepare the spice mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the pantry until you’re ready to season the chicken.
Storing: Store any leftovers of these chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave (this will cause it to be less crispy) until warmed through.
Freeze: Freeze the chicken once it has fully cooled in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and then reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.
More Delicious Chicken Dishes!
Full Recipe Instructions
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 Drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder until well combined.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss until each drumstick is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and toss again until the chicken is thoroughly coated on all sides.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes per side, until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175–185°F at the thickest part (near the bone) for juicy, tender drumsticks.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
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