Hiking

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

This oven-baked chicken drumstick recipe is the perfect dinner idea that can be flavored with any of your favorite seasonings.

The post Baked Chicken Drumsticks appeared first on Budget Bytes.

You guys know how I love easy dinner staples, right? Baked Chicken Drumsticks are exactly that—an easy, no-brainer main dish recipe that I can make with barely any planning or effort. Just coat the chicken with your favorite seasoning, toss them in the oven, and then focus on your side dishes or whatever else you have going on in your life while the drumsticks cook themselves. They’re easy, tasty, and the perfect “emergency” meal for when you don’t want to have to think about, “what’s for dinner?”

Overhead view of baked chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet, with one being removed with tongs.

“I made this tonight — WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!! 🎖️🏆 Thank you so much, Beth, for sharing this recipe. Honestly, I was really dreading making the last 5 drumsticks (from a 5lb bag) in the air fryer so I started searching for oven baked recipes and here I am. Big points for being easy and quick!!! This saved me tonight. And my bf LOVED it!! It was delicious!!! I have bookmarked this page, and signed up for the weekly emails. I will definitely be making this again. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 💯🔥🙌💘”

Sarah

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy baked chicken drumsticks recipe:

  • Chicken Drumsticks: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks for maximum flavor and juiciness. I used 6 drumsticks (about 1.75 lbs total). If you’re using more or less drumsticks, be sure to adjust the seasoning amounts accordingly. You can also swap in bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs using the same method as in this recipe.
  • Cooking Oil: This helps the seasonings to stick and crisps up the chicken skin in the oven. You can use any high-heat oil, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil.
  • Seasonings: I season my baked chicken drumsticks with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, but you can play around with the seasonings and use whatever you like! I’ve shared some more seasoning ideas below.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts in this Recipe?

Dark meat chicken, like drumsticks and thighs, is very forgiving, especially when cooked with the bone-in and skin on. The skin helps hold in moisture, and the higher fat content of the meat helps it stay tender and juicy. Chicken breast needs a slightly different technique because it’s a leaner cut of meat. I only recommend swapping the drumsticks for bone-in, skin-on thighs when using the method in this recipe.

For a bone-in, skin-on chicken breast I suggest using the method in my herb roasted chicken breast. Boneless skinless chicken breast should be cooked using the method in my baked chicken breasts recipe.

Other Seasoning Ideas for Baked Chicken Drumsticks

I used a very classic mix of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano for this chicken drumsticks recipe, but you can literally use any seasoning blend you like for this. There is so much flexibility! Here are a few ideas for seasoning your oven-baked chicken drumsticks:

Want some sauce for dipping? Try these delicious sauces with your chicken drumsticks:

Tips and Suggestions

  1. Use a meat thermometer. I always use a meat thermometer to double-check my chicken is cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat once the thickest part of the meat registers at least 165°F. However, it’s recommended that chicken drumsticks should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F for optimal tenderness.
  2. Flip them halfway through. To ensure even cooking and crispy skin, I always flip my drumsticks halfway through baking. It helps all sides to get golden brown and delicious!
  3. Don’t overcrowd the baking tray. There should be enough space between each drumstick so they can cook evenly and the skin can crisp up. If your tray is too small, use two trays or bake in batches.
  4. Double up on the seasoning mix. If you decide to use the seasonings I’ve listed in the recipe card below, consider making a double batch! Some of our readers have shared that this blend tastes amazing on potatoes. I think it would be delicious on other roasted veggies, too.

What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks

I made some roasted broccoli and mashed potatoes to serve with these drumsticks, but they’d go great with any classic side, like Parmesan roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, rice, a simple side salad, or coleslaw. I think a dipping sauce would also be delicious! Some of my favorites are honey mustard, BBQ, ranch dressing, or comeback sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I’d place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Overhead close up view of two baked chicken drumsticks on a plate with broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Overhead view of baked chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet, with one being removed with tongs.

Print

Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

#wprm-recipe-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }

This oven-baked chicken drumstick recipe is the perfect dinner idea that can be flavored with any of your favorite seasonings.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine General
Total Cost $4.82 recipe / $0.80 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 pieces
Calories 254kcal

Equipment

  • Enamelware Sheet Pan
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder $0.03
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1.75 lbs. chicken drumsticks (6 pieces) $4.23
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil* $0.32

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over top. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
  • Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet with enough space around each so they’re not touching. You can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup, if desired.
  • Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175ºF, flipping the drumsticks once half-way through. Serve hot.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*You can use your favorite high-heat cooking oil. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1drumstick | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 332mg | Fiber: 0.2g
Overhead view of baked chicken drumsticks on a serving platter.

How to Make Chicken Drumsticks – Step by Step Photos

Ingredients for baked chicken drumsticks.

Gather your ingredients.

A bowl of seasonings for baked chicken drumsticks.

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Decide what herbs and spices you want to use to season your drumsticks (see the text above the recipe for some ideas). I used a simple mix of 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ tsp salt.

Seasoning mix being poured into a bowl of chicken drumsticks.

Place about 1.75 lbs. chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle 2 Tbsp of your preferred cooking oil over top.

Seasoned chicken drumsticks in a bowl.

Toss the drumsticks in the oil and spices until everything is evenly coated.

Overhead view of seasoned chicken drumsticks on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet spaced out enough so they are not touching. You can line the baking sheet in parchment for easier cleanup if desired.

Overhead view of baked chicken drumsticks.

Bake the chicken drumsticks for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF.

Close up of baked chicken drumsticks on a plate.

Serve hot and enjoy! (garnished with parsley for color, not needed for flavor)

The post Baked Chicken Drumsticks appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Recommended Story For You :

Look weight gain and weight loss are serious concerns of yours and I get it.

Flavourful Vegan Recipes Covering Everything From Burrito Bowls To Chocolate Mousse

The keto diet is not just a diet it is a lifestyle change!

Pizza is Doubly Addictive with Two Morphine-Like Compounds in Every Crusty-Chewy Slice!

Delicious diabetic recipes- over 500 recipes-Desserts-Entrees-Snacks-and more.

An amazing collection of easy and delicious keto recipes.

Homemade Desserts just got quicker easier and smarter.

Boosting your health is easier than you think- smoothies make everything taste better.

Healthy Cooking Is About To Change For The Better

Better health starts on your plate.