Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks: Crispy, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly

Chicken drumsticks are a fantastic weeknight dinner option. They’re affordable, readily available, and incredibly versatile. Baking them is one of the easiest ways to prepare them, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin. This recipe for easy baked chicken drumsticks is designed to be simple enough for beginner cooks, yet delicious enough to impress even the pickiest eaters. We’ll cover everything from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp, along with variations and serving suggestions to make this a staple in your meal rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

This baked chicken drumstick recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Simplicity:** It uses readily available ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Flavor:** A well-balanced blend of spices enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
* **Crispy Skin:** The baking technique ensures crispy, golden-brown skin without deep frying.
* **Affordability:** Chicken drumsticks are budget-friendly, making this a great meal for families.
* **Versatility:** The spice blend can be adjusted to suit your preferences, and the drumsticks can be served with a variety of sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious baked chicken drumsticks:

* **Chicken Drumsticks:** About 2-3 pounds. Look for drumsticks that are similar in size for even cooking.
* **Olive Oil:** Or any other cooking oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or canola oil. This helps the skin crisp up.
* **Salt:** Essential for bringing out the flavor of the chicken.
* **Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice and depth.
* **Garlic Powder:** Provides a savory, aromatic flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Complements the garlic powder and adds sweetness.
* **Paprika:** Adds color and a mild, smoky flavor. Smoked paprika can be used for a bolder taste.
* **Dried Thyme:** Or any other dried herb like oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. This adds an earthy note.
* **Optional: Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat.

Equipment Needed

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is essential for even cooking. Line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the drumsticks with the spice mixture.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken drumsticks.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect baked chicken drumsticks every time:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is a key step for crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
* Trim any excess skin or fat from the drumsticks.

**Step 3: Mix the Spices**

In a mixing bowl, combine the following spices:

* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

**Step 4: Season the Chicken**

* Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with olive oil.
* Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can also toss the drumsticks in the bowl to coat them thoroughly.

**Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet**

* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup much easier.
* Arrange the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in less crispy skin.

**Step 6: Bake the Chicken**

* Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

**Step 7: Check for Doneness**

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone.
* The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.

**Step 8: Let it Rest**

* Remove the chicken drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Tips for Crispy Skin

Achieving perfectly crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks requires a few key techniques:

* **Dry the Chicken:** Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which is essential for crispy skin.
* **Use High Heat:** Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps to render the fat and crisp the skin.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and browning.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flipping the drumsticks ensures that both sides of the skin get crispy.
* **Optional: Broil for the Last Few Minutes:** If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Lemon Herb:** Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the spice mixture.
* **BBQ:** Use a BBQ spice rub or brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
* **Honey Garlic:** Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and savory glaze.
* **Spicy:** Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or use a spicy chili powder.
* **Italian:** Use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Baked chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Classic Sides:** Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts), coleslaw, or corn on the cob.
* **Salads:** A simple green salad, potato salad, or pasta salad.
* **Grains:** Rice, quinoa, or couscous.
* **Bread:** Dinner rolls, cornbread, or garlic bread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken drumsticks ahead of time by seasoning them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Storage:** Store leftover baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

Tips for Picky Eaters

If you have picky eaters in your family, here are a few tips for getting them to enjoy these baked chicken drumsticks:

* **Keep it Simple:** Stick to a basic spice blend without too many strong flavors.
* **Cut into Smaller Pieces:** Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces can make it easier for kids to eat.
* **Offer Dips:** Serve the drumsticks with dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
* **Make it Fun:** Get the kids involved in the cooking process by letting them help season the chicken.
* **Pair with Favorite Sides:** Serve the chicken with sides that your kids already enjoy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Per serving (1 drumstick):

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 0-2g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the specific ingredients used.*

Recipe Card

**Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Total Time:** 50-55 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Drizzle chicken drumsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Notes:**

* For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
* Adjust the spice blend to your liking.
* Serve with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

These easy baked chicken drumsticks are a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin every time. Experiment with different spice blends and serving suggestions to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!