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baked chicken drumsticks on a plate
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Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy baked chicken drumsticks are juicy, golden, and packed with flavor. An easy family dinner that pairs perfectly with cozy sides.
Course Chicken Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword baked chicken recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 - 7 servings
Calories 383kcal
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 pounds chicken drumsticks 12–14 legs
  • 1 tablespoon fine salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder helps crisp the skin
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional, for caramelization
  • 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges (for serving)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Prep the Oven + Pan: Preheat oven to 425°F (218ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray.
  • Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt (1 tablespoon), garlic powder (2 teaspoons), onion powder (2 teaspoons), paprika (2 teaspoons), black pepper (1 teaspoon), baking powder (1 teaspoon), Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), and brown sugar (1 teaspoon). Stir until well blended.
  • Season the Chicken: Pat drumsticks (4 1/2 pounds) dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil (2 –3 tablespoons), and toss to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  • Bake: Arrange drumsticks on the prepared rack, leaving space between each one. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 170–175°F (77-79ºC).
  • Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  1. Crispiest skin: Make sure the chicken is very dry before adding the oil and seasoning. Any moisture will steam instead of crisp.
  2. Rack vs. pan: If you don’t have a wire rack, bake directly on a foil-lined sheet, but flip the drumsticks halfway through for even browning.
  3. Flavor boost: Marinate the drumsticks in the seasoning + oil for 1–2 hours (or overnight) before baking for even deeper flavor.
  4. Double the batch: These reheat well—make extras for easy lunches or meal prep.
  5. Add a glaze: While these drumsticks are delicious as written, adding a glaze is a great way to customize the recipe and change things up. In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush with BBQ sauce, honey-garlic glaze, or hot honey for a sticky, caramelized finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 210mg | Sodium: 1403mg | Potassium: 644mg | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg