Crispy baked chicken drumsticks served on a plate with herbs

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are not just a tasty treat; they’re a simple and satisfying meal for any day of the week. They make a great choice for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. The best part is that they are much healthier than fried chicken while still giving you that crispy texture everyone loves. Plus, they are easy to make!

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

  • 12 chicken drumsticks (Note 1)
  • 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 (makes them crispier, DO NOT confuse with baking soda / bi-carb) (Note 3)

Directions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a tray with foil and place a rack on the tray. This step helps the underside of the drumsticks get crispier (Note 4).

  2. Seasoning: In a shallow bowl, mix together the seasoning ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

  3. Coat in Oil: Toss the chicken drumsticks in the olive oil. Pull and stretch the skin on each drumstick to cover as much of the meat as possible.

  4. Coat in Seasoning: Take one drumstick and coat it in the seasoning mixture, shaking off any excess. Place it on the rack. Repeat this with all the remaining drumsticks.

  5. Spray with Oil: Generously spray the drumsticks with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

  6. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, making sure to rotate the tray halfway through. Then, increase the oven temperature to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan) and bake for another 15 minutes or until the skin is nice and crispy. Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These crispy drumsticks pair perfectly with a side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra zing!

How to Store Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at a high temperature for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Tips to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

  • For extra flavorful drumsticks, marinate them in the seasoning overnight.
  • Ensure each drumstick is well coated in oil and seasoning for the best results.
  • If you want them even crispier, you can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end of baking.

Variation

Feel free to customize the seasoning. You can add cayenne pepper for heat or use different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use another cut of chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken thighs or wings, but cooking times may vary.

Q2: Do I have to use baking powder?
A2: Yes, baking powder is key for that crispy skin. Don’t skip it!

Q3: Can I grill these instead of baking?
A3: Absolutely! These drumsticks can be grilled for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the grill heat.