Classic Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks with this simple oven-baked recipe. The key to success lies in proper seasoning and strategic temperature changes.
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- parchment paper or foil
- wire rack
- large bowl
- small bowl
- instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10-12 chicken drumsticks about 2.5-3 lbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet, your preference
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, adding a wire rack if available.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
Seasoning & Baking
- Drizzle drumsticks with olive oil, then generously coat them with a mixture of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes to start the crisping and browning process.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Serving
- Remove drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain moisture and flavor.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure drumsticks are very dry before seasoning. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.