Baked chicken drumsticks are a classic dish that combines drumsticks that are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Minimal prep with straightforward steps.
- Healthy: Baking requires less oil, making it a wholesome alternative to frying.
- Versatile: Customize the seasoning and pair it with a variety of sides.
- Kid-Friendly: Crispy drumsticks are always a hit with the little ones.
How long to Bake Chicken Drumsticks?
It depends on the heating capability of your oven, generally, it takes 40-45 minutes approximately to bake in a 400-degree oven roughly after 20 minutes of cooking and you are baking at 350°F, then it takes around 50- 60 minutes.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Buffalo Style: Toss the baked drumsticks in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Honey Garlic Glaze: Brush the drumsticks with a mix of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Herb-Infused: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Marinate the drumsticks in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a savory-sweet flavor.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw complement the flavors perfectly.
- Healthy Options: Serve with a fresh garden salad, quinoa, or steamed broccoli for a lighter meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or tzatziki elevate the taste experience.
- Meal Prep: Add to rice bowls, wraps, or pasta dishes for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
In what temperature we should make these chicken drumsticks?
I always recommend to use a meat thermometer, the safe internal temperature as per USDA, the cooked chicken should be at 165 °F (74°C). Make sure though that you don’t hit a bone when checking the temp or you’ll get an off reading.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness, or use an air fryer for faster results.
Equipment Used:
- Paper towels (to pat chicken dry)
- Meat thermometer (Buy it here)
- Baking sheet
- Ziplock bag (gallon size) or large mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
Recipe FAQs
How Long Should I Bake Chicken Drumsticks?
Bake drumsticks at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I Use Frozen Drumsticks?
Yes, but thaw them completely before baking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Skin?
Dry the drumsticks thoroughly, use high heat, and bake them on a wire rack. Brushing them with a little oil before seasoning also helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
Can I Make This Recipe Keto or Low-Carb?
Absolutely! Stick to low-carb seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Serve with keto-friendly sides such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Is Baking Better Than Frying?
Baking is a healthier alternative as it uses less oil while still delivering great texture and flavor. Plus, it’s less messy and easier to clean up.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Baked chicken drumsticks are a classic dish that combines drumsticks that are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Drumsticks (about 3 lbs.)
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 4 Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or ziploc bag, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper, add chicken drumsticks and mix all together until well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray and place chicken legs with space in between each leg.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through; carefully remove from oven and insert meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of 165°, continue baking for 5-10 minutes intervals, if needed.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
8Amount Per Serving Calories 213Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 116mgSodium 170mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 22g
dinnerbytes.com, 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 dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Conclusion
Baked chicken drumsticks are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves simple yet delicious meals. With endless variations, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and storage solutions, this recipe is a keeper for every home cook.
