Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. They are perfect for a family dinner, game day, or any gathering. With their golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat, these drumsticks are sure to impress. Plus, baking them in the oven makes them healthier than frying, while still delivering an amazing flavor.
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:
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a tray with foil, then place a rack on the tray. This helps make the underside of the drumsticks crispier (Note 4).
- Seasoning: Mix the seasoning ingredients in a shallow bowl.
- Coat in oil: Toss the drumsticks in the olive oil. Stretch and pull the skin on each drumstick to cover as much of the flesh as possible.
- Coat in seasoning: Coat a drumstick in the seasoning mixture, then shake the excess off well. Place it on the rack. Repeat with the remaining drumsticks.
- Spray with oil: Generously spray the drumsticks with oil.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan) and bake for a further 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Serve the crispy baked chicken drumsticks hot from the oven. They are great on their own or with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard. Pair them with a side of veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
If you have leftovers, store the chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Tips to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Make sure to fully coat the drumsticks in oil and seasoning for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Use a rack on the baking tray to keep the heat circulating around the chicken for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the baking powder; it helps create a crunchier skin.
Variation
You can customize the seasoning to your taste. Try adding different spices, such as cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for added flavor. Use other types of chicken, like wings or thighs, following the same method.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before starting.
Q: How can I make the drumsticks more flavorful?
A: Marinate the drumsticks in your favorite sauce or seasoning for a few hours or overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use skinless chicken drumsticks?
A: Yes, you can use skinless drumsticks, but they may not be as crispy. You might need to adjust cooking times as well.
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces chicken drumsticks (Note 1)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- spray Oil spray
Seasoning
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tsp onion powder
- 5 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 4.5 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder (makes them crispier, DO NOT confuse with baking soda / bi-carb) (Note 3)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a tray with foil, then place a rack on the tray.
Seasoning
- Mix the seasoning ingredients in a shallow bowl.
Coating
- Toss the drumsticks in the olive oil, stretching and pulling the skin to cover as much of the flesh as possible.
- Coat each drumstick in the seasoning mixture and shake off the excess. Place on the rack.
- Generously spray the drumsticks with oil.
Baking
- Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.
- Increase the oven temperature to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan) and bake for a further 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy.
- Enjoy!
