Simple Golden Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Juicy chicken drumsticks baked to golden perfection bring pure comfort to weeknight dinners.

Seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, these easy oven baked chicken drumsticks deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The crispy skin locks in tender, succulent meat that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary poultry into a delectable meal everyone craves.

Marinating helps intensify the rich, savory notes that make these drumsticks irresistible.

Minimal prep and straightforward cooking techniques ensure success for home cooks of all skill levels.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch dinner become the highlight of your evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Select fresh, plump drumsticks with smooth skin and no discoloration for the best texture and flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds deep, savory undertones that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme: Brings robust, earthy flavor profiles that create a complex seasoning experience.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying overall taste.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient that introduces a gentle heat and warmth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and creates a beautiful golden, crispy exterior.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that introduces color and light herbal notes.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a zesty, tangy accent that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Tools to Use For Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Wire rack: Helps chicken stay crispy by allowing air circulation underneath.
• Paper towels: Essential for drying chicken and ensuring crisp skin.
• Small bowl: For mixing seasoning blend.
• Large bowl: For tossing chicken with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: Precise measurement of spices.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping drumsticks midway through baking.
• Sharp knife: For chopping fresh parsley and cutting lemon wedges.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

How To Bake Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Just Right

• Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen’s heart beating by cranking the oven to a sizzling 400F. Grab a baking sheet and dress it with aluminum foil, then crown it with a wire rack for maximum crunchiness.

• Spice Ballet

Dance those drumsticks through a seasoning celebration. Whisk together garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and a whisper of chili powder. Massage the spice blend into the chicken, ensuring every nook gets flavor-kissed.

• Rack and Roast

Spread the drumsticks across the wire rack like sunbathers, making sure they’re not cuddling. Let them bake for 35-40 minutes, turning midway to guarantee an all-over golden tan.

• Rest and Reveal

Once they’re crackling and cooked through (internal temperature singing at 165F), pull them from the oven. Let them catch their breath for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with zesty lemon wedges for a final flourish.

Tips And Flavor Swaps For Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Crispy Chicken Drumstick Mastery: Expert Tips & Twists
• Skin Perfection Trick: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to guarantee ultra-crispy exterior that'll make everyone crave your drumsticks.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Let seasoned drumsticks sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to help spices penetrate deeper and enhance overall taste profile.
• Healthier Protein Swap: Replace traditional seasonings with herb-focused blends like rosemary, oregano, and sage for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired protein option perfect for wellness enthusiasts.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use certified gluten-free spices and confirm all ingredients are allergen-free to make this recipe accessible for sensitive diets without compromising delicious flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: These drumsticks refrigerate beautifully for 3-4 days, making them an excellent protein prep choice for busy individuals wanting quick, delectable meals throughout the week.

Simple Ways To Plate Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Create a vibrant serving board with the crispy drumsticks as the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a stunning presentation.
• Family-Style Comfort Spread: Pair the drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, and a fresh green salad to create a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Dipping Delight Station: Set up a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, ranch, and barbecue sauce to let everyone customize their drumstick experience and add extra flavor excitement.
• Picnic Perfect Pack: Pack the cooled drumsticks in a portable container with some coleslaw and cornbread for an amazing outdoor meal that's easy to transport and enjoy at parks, beaches, or backyard gatherings.

How To Store Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks For Later

Keep leftover drumsticks in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm drumsticks in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Package cooled drumsticks in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Store frozen chicken for 2-3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple batches of drumsticks during weekly cooking. Separate into individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner options. Pair with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables for balanced meals.

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken drumsticks with herb-infused marinade deliver maximum flavor in this simple meal. Mediterranean-inspired seasoning creates juicy, tender results with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs/1 kg)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• fresh parsley, chopped
• lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat Setup: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C). Construct a strategic cooking platform by layering a baking sheet with aluminum foil and positioning a wire rack for optimal air circulation and crispy skin development.
2. Chicken Preparation: Pat drumsticks completely dry using paper towels, eliminating moisture barriers. Transfer to a spacious mixing bowl, ready for flavor transformation.
3. Seasoning Ritual: Drizzle olive oil across drumsticks, creating a lustrous base. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chili powder into a potent spice blend. Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly, ensuring each drumstick is comprehensively coated with the flavor-enhancing combination.
4. Roasting Process: Arrange seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, maintaining strategic spacing for uniform heat distribution. Slide into the preheated oven, roasting for 35-40 minutes. Midcycle, rotate drumsticks to guarantee consistent caramelization and confirm internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
5. Serving Finale: Remove drumsticks from oven and allow a 5-minute resting period for juice redistribution. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with zesty lemon wedges, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed culinary presentation.

Notes

• Maximize Chicken Crispiness: Pat drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior that locks in flavor and creates a delightful crunch.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Space drumsticks evenly on the wire rack to allow optimal air circulation, guaranteeing uniform cooking and preventing soggy spots.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F, eliminating any risk of undercooked chicken while maintaining juicy meat.
• Flavor Customization: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or herb-infused seasonings to transform the basic recipe into a versatile dish that suits various taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg