Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    45 mins

  • Total Time

    50 mins

  • Servings

    8 -10 servings

  • Calories

    230 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks

How Long to Bake Chicken Drumsticks at 400- these are the best-baked chicken drumsticks! This cooking method always delivers crispy, golden brown, and super tender chicken. A delicious and easy-to-make meal that's simple and flavorful for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 chicken drumsticks about 2 lbs, skin on
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • lemon optional, sliced and freshly chopped, for garnish
  • parsley optional, sliced and freshly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy. If there's excess skin or fat, you can trim it off.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
  4. Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning paste. Use your hands or a pastry brush to massage the seasoning evenly onto each drumstick, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe baking dish with aluminum foil, or parchment paper, or add a bit of cooking spray or oil. Optional: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate the drumsticks, helping them cook evenly and become crispy.
  6. Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks in an even layer, leaving space between each. This helps the heat circulate around the drumsticks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your drumsticks. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Place the instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to check it. 
  7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Spoon the pan juices over the drumsticks just before serving. 
  8. Optional Garnish: You can garnish the baked chicken drumsticks with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can result in dry meat.
  • Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, use paper towels to pat dry the chicken drumsticks thoroughly. Dry chicken skin crisps up better during baking, resulting in a better texture.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
  • Crispy Skin Finish: To make sure the skin is crispy, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked chicken drumsticks to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
  • Serve with Fresh Herbs or Citrus: Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives, or a squeeze of citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange) to brighten up the flavors.
  • Customize Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, spices, and herbs to create unique flavor profiles. The options are endless, and you can tailor the dish to your preferences.
  •  

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 230kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 8g (40%) Trans Fat 0.1g (5%) Cholesterol 104mg (35%) Sodium 410mg (17%) Potassium 268mg (6%) Fiber 0.2g (1%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Vitamin A 176IU (4%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8-10 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 230 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 230kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Sodium 410mg 17%
Potassium 268mg 6%
Fiber 0.2g 1%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Vitamin A 176IU 4%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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