Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks: A Delightful Family-Friendly Feast

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and easy way to serve dinner, these crispy baked chicken drumsticks are your answer. With just 12 simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s not only cozy and comforting but also mouth-wateringly crispy. Imagine biting into a juicy, tender drumstick with a crust so crunchy, it practically sings!

Growing up, chicken drumsticks were a staple at our family gatherings, often sizzling on the grill, but I’ve discovered a delightful way to achieve that crispy skin without the mess or effort of frying. Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of seasoned chicken wafting through your home, your family gathered around the table, and laughter filling the air as everyone digs into this easy yet impressive dish.

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken drumsticks that the whole family will love.

Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Paleo

Ingredients

Scale

12 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Oil spray
3 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp onion powder
5 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
4 1/2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C for fan-forced ovens. Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top.
In a shallow bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cooking salt, plain flour, and baking powder.
Toss the drumsticks in extra virgin olive oil, stretching the skin to cover as much meat as possible.
Coat each drumstick in the seasoning mixture and shake off excess.
Carefully place them on the rack and repeat for remaining drumsticks.
Lightly spray the drumsticks with oil.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.
Increase the temperature to 220°C (430°F) and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, do not skip the baking powder in the seasoning. You can experiment with different spices or use marinated chicken for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drumstick
Calories: 300
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Why Choose These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks?

These drumsticks are perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, delivering a fun and satisfying meal for the whole family. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love. Plus, they’re healthier than fried options and still boast that desirable crunch.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

12 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Oil spray
3 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp onion powder
5 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
4 1/2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder

Directions:

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C for fan-forced ovens. Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top. This rack is key; it allows air to circulate around the drumsticks, making them even crispier.
Seasoning: In a shallow bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cooking salt, plain flour, and baking powder. This blend will give your chicken that irresistible flavor and crunch.
Coat in Oil: Toss the drumsticks in extra virgin olive oil, stretching and pulling the skin to cover as much of the meat as possible. This little trick helps lock in juiciness while achieving crispy perfection.
Coat in Seasoning: Take each drumstick, coat it in the seasoning mixture, and shake off the excess. Place them carefully on the rack. Repeat for the remaining drumsticks.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the drumsticks with oil to help them crisp up beautifully during baking.
Bake: Cook in the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. After 30 minutes, increase the temperature to 220°C (430°F) or 200°C for fan-forced ovens. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
Enjoy: Serve hot and watch your family devour these flavorful drumsticks!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Drumsticks

These crispy drumsticks are perfect served alongside some creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. You could even pair them with crispy potato wedges or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete dinner that’s sure to impress.

How to Store Leftover Drumsticks

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), simply let them cool and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

Make sure you don’t skip the baking powder in the seasoning; it’s the secret to that delightful crunch!
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the olive oil and spices a few hours before baking.
Don’t overcrowd the tray; give the chicken plenty of space for the heat to circulate.

Variations You Can Try

Feel free to mix up the spices! Instead of smoked paprika, experiment with your favorite blends, like Cajun seasoning or even a sweet and spicy chili mix. You can also swap the chicken drumsticks for wings or thighs; just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating and baking.
How can I make these drumsticks spicier?
For a kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or use a spicy seasoning blend.
Can I grill these drumsticks instead?
Absolutely! You can also grill the marinated drumsticks on medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning often until cooked through and crispy.

With these easy, crispy baked chicken drumsticks in your dinner rotation, you’re sure to create some wonderful family memories around the table. So tie on that apron, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of comforting home-cooked nostalgia!