Baked Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner, baked chicken drumsticks are the perfect choice. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—all without the hassle of frying. Plus, they pair well with just about any side dish, making them a family favorite. I love to make this recipe for lazy evenings or afternoons. These drumsticks are laid back, yet I can be sure to get easy protein in at the same time.
Not sure about your home, but it just seems like we move from sport to sport as the seasons change. I love hearing football on in the living room as the seasons change. It just gives a sense of a slow down, especially after a jam packed summer and start to school. Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a great way to have an easy meal while enjoying game day as a family. I love to pair with all of the other snacking options. Try pairing these drumsticks with some other of our favorite snacking foods such as:
In this post, I’ll share my go-to recipe for oven-baked chicken drumsticks, along with tips for seasoning, baking times, and how to make them extra crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Affordable – Drumsticks are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of chicken.
Easy to prepare – Just season, bake, and enjoy.
Healthier than frying – No need for excess oil.
Kid-friendly – Finger-licking good and fun to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these crispy baked chicken drumsticks, you only need a few pantry staples:
Chicken drumsticks: Obviously this recipe is for chicken drumsticks, though this flavor combo would work well with any cut of chicken.
Olive oil: Helps create the marinade and crisp ups the outside of the drumsticks.
Garlic powder
Paprika
Sea salt
Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create marinade. Add olive oil and seasonings to a mixing bowl, mix well.
- Arrange drumsticks on a baking sheet and brush marinade over drumsticks.
- Bake drumsticks.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Add olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder to a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
- Place drumsticks onto a baking sheet.
- Using a basting brush, generously coat each drumstick with prepared marinade. Be sure to coat each drumstick entirely.
- Place drumsticks in the preheated oven. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Once chicken has reached 165 degrees, turn oven to broil. Allow drumsticks to broil for 2 minutes. This will help crisp the skin of the drumsticks.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks go with just about anything! I mentioned some snacking options that go well with drumsticks, but they also make a great dinner option as well. If you plan to serve these for dinner, below are some ideas:
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Dry the chicken before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
Experiment with marinades like BBQ, teriyaki, or lemon-garlic for variety.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, I recommend storing drumsticks in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat I recommend warming in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
These look so so good and I can’t wait to make them this coming week! Putting it on the meal plan now!
These baked chicken drumsticks look so good and full of flavor. I’m definitely saving this recipe to try for a simple weeknight dinner.
These chicken drumsticks were so easy to make, but we’re a great flavor.
I love how simple this recipe was, but did not lack in flavor. I will make them again soon.
This is such a great recipe for an easy weeknight meal! It was a hit!
My kids loved these drumsticks! They are perfectly seasoned and an easy weeknight meal. Thanks for the great recipe!