Easy Everyday Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy and flavorful baked chicken drumsticks with crispy skin, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks Look for skin-on for a crispy finish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin) Adds moisture and helps skin crisp up.
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt Enhances flavors perfectly.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds gentle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Complements garlic.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds smoky richness.
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for a hint of heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle all the spices over the chicken and mix until evenly seasoned.
Cooking
- Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet, skin-side up, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them.
Serving
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Notes
For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze these drumsticks for up to 3 months.