Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
The Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious dinners you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare The Chicken
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps create crispy skin while baking.
Make The Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper and chili powder.
Coat The Drumsticks
- Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until every drumstick is evenly coated.
Add The Seasoning
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Toss well until every drumstick is fully covered with spices.
Arrange On The Baking Sheet
- Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each piece for even cooking and crispier skin.
Bake The Chicken
- Bake for twenty-five minutes without opening the oven door. This allows the skin to begin turning golden and crispy.
Turn The Drumsticks
- Carefully flip each drumstick using tongs. Bake for another fifteen minutes until evenly browned on all sides.
Check The Temperature
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F before serving.
Rest The Chicken
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven. Let them rest for five minutes to keep the juices inside the meat.
Garnish
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked drumsticks for extra color and fresh flavor.
Serve And Enjoy
- Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes and fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning.
- Bake on a wire rack for crispier skin.
- Marinate the chicken for two hours for deeper flavor.
- Add barbecue sauce during the last five minutes.
- Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy version.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.