Easy Everyday Baked Chicken Drumsticks
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
288 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Everyday Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Description
This recipe begins by preheating the oven to 400°F and arranging skin-on chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. A seasoning paste combining olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper is applied evenly over each piece. Drumsticks bake uncovered for about 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, with occasional basting from pan juices to keep them moist.
The finished chicken has crispy skin with a smoky, lightly spicy flavor that can be tailored by adjusting the cayenne. The simple method requires minimal preparation, relying on baking to develop deep flavor and texture.
These drumsticks can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, baking uncovered at 350°F crisps the skin again. If preferred, the chicken can be eaten cold or chopped for salads. The recipe is flexible and easily doubled for larger portions, adjusting olive oil accordingly. Covering the drumsticks loosely with foil partway through baking prevents over-browning if needed.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumstick skin-on, 4 ounces each, about 2 pounds total weight
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make the seasoning paste: In a medium bowl, use a fork or spatula to combine the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Using a pastry brush or your hands, coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning paste.
- Bake the drumsticks uncovered for about 40 minutes, until their internal temperature, measured with an instant-read thermometer not touching a bone, reaches 165°F.
- Baste the drumsticks with the pan juices using a clean pastry brush. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If the drumsticks brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to finish cooking evenly.
- When short on time, simply spray olive oil on drumsticks and sprinkle with the seasoning spices for easier prep.
- This recipe can be scaled up; for 10 drumsticks, increase olive oil by about half a tablespoon.
- Cayenne adds mild heat but adjust or omit based on preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat in a 350°F oven uncovered to restore crispness.
- Leftover chicken can be eaten cold or cut into pieces for use in salads.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 288 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2drumsticks | |
| Calories | 288kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Sodium | 709mg | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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