Transform ordinary chicken drumsticks into a delicious meal with this foolproof baked chicken recipe. The result is perfectly crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat that will have your family asking for seconds.
This easy weeknight dinner combines simple seasonings with proper technique to create restaurant-quality chicken drumsticks right in your own kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, minimal prep, and mostly hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top
- Step 3: Pat drumsticks completely dry with paper towels
- Step 4: In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil and all seasonings
- Step 5: Arrange drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch
- Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Step 7: Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Step 8: Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Best reheated in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes
- For extra crispy skin: Broil for 1-2 minutes at end of cooking time
- Variations: Can use different spice blends like Cajun or Jerk seasoning
- Serving suggestions: Pair with roasted potatoes, rice, or fresh salad
General Nutritional Values
- Calories: 95 kcal per drumstick
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 209mg
- Cholesterol: 51mg
