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Spicy Drumsticks (5 Ingredients)
5 from 54 votes

Spicy Drumsticks (5 Ingredients)

Spicy Drumsticks use a simple rub of olive oil, kosher salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to coat medium chicken drumsticks. Baked until cooked through, they develop a spiced exterior while remaining juicy inside. This recipe balances heat with straightforward ingredients and allows garnishing with parsley and red pepper flakes for extra color and spice.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 286 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumstick medium, 4 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional garnishes:
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • Pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper.
  2. Wipe the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  3. Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, kosher salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create a paste. Pour the paste over the chicken pieces and, using your hands or a pastry brush, coat the chicken on all sides.
  4. Bake the drumsticks until cooked through and the juices run clear (their internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer not touching the bone should reach 165ºF), for about 40 minutes. Check them after the first 30 minutes and loosely cover them with foil if they seem to be darkening too much on top.
  5. If you wish, garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, then serve.

Notes

  • Adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the rub can enhance flavor and browning but is omitted here by choice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat covered in microwave or uncovered in a 350°F oven.
  • Spicy drumsticks are also enjoyable when eaten cold, a classic picnic option.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2drumsticks Calories 286kcal (14%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 721mg (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 286

% Daily Value*

Serving 2drumsticks
Calories 286kcal 14%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 721mg 30%

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