Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

I have perfected this recipe for how to bake drumsticks in oven using simple pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs. The chicken drumsticks come out tender with just the right kick from optional cayenne pepper. This quick dinner always satisfies my cravings.

I gotta say, I was super excited when I discovered this Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe. Ive made these drumsticks hundreds of times and they always come out perfectly.

If you’re looking for an awesome, quick dinner that really packs a punch, you’re in the right place. I start with 8 chicken drumsticks, a good drizzle of 2 tablespoons olive oil, and then I season ’em with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika.

I also toss in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary to keep things interesting and if you want an extra kick, throw in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. I’ve experimented with different ways of Cooking Chicken Drumsticks In The Oven and trust me, knowing How To Make Drumsticks In The Oven has made all the difference.

Give it a try and let your taste buds decide!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how simple this recipe is to follow – even when im in a rush i can throw together the ingredients and have a tasty dinner ready in no time.
2. The mix of spices really hits the spot every time. I like how the garlic powder, paprika, and herbs blend together to give the chicken an awesome flavor, and sometimes a bit of cayenne pepper adds a fun kick.
3. I appreciate that the drumsticks come out crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, making each bite so satisfying.
4. Cleanup is a breeze since i use parchment paper on the baking sheet, so i don’t have to deal with a lot of extra washing after dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks: Juicy, protein-packed meat with robust flavor and lots of nutrients.
• Olive oil: Nutritious liquid that has healthy fats, supports heart health and adds smooth texture.
• Garlic powder: Adds strong flavor and offers antioxidants that boost overall health benefits.
• Paprika: Provides a smoky, mild heat and gives the dish a vibrant red color.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional spice that livens up the flavor profile with an extra kick.
• Dried thyme & rosemary: Earthy, aromatic herbs that round out the flavor with complexity.
• Onion powder: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall seasoning blend.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all flavors while balancing the dish perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little extra kick

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to make sure they get nice and crispy.

3. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary and if you want, the cayenne pepper.

4. Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they’re completely covered with the seasoning.

5. Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer without crowding them.

6. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes.

7. Halfway through, flip the drumsticks so they cook evenly.

8. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F before taking them out.

9. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

10. Serve and enjoy your easy baked chicken drumsticks with your favorite side dishes.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven, preheated to 425°F
2. Baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Paper towels
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Spoon or spatula for tossing the drumsticks
6. Tongs for flipping the chicken halfway through
7. Meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature
8. Timer or clock to keep track of the baking time

FAQ

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil – you can swap it with canola oil or even melted butter if you want a richer taste
• Salt – sea salt or kosher salt works fine though they might be a bit stronger so you may need to adjust a little
• Garlic powder – if you dont have this on hand, try using a clove of minced garlic per teaspoon of powder for a fresher flavor
• Onion powder – you can use a very finely grated fresh onion but keep in mind this might add extra moisture so lower other liquids a bit
• Paprika – smoked paprika is a great alternative if you like a deeper smoky taste or you can use a mild chili powder for some extra kick

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. That totally helps getting the skin crispy as hell instead of soggy, so don’t skip this step.

2. When you arrange the drumsticks on your tray, leave enough space between them. Putting them too close can make them steam and not bake all the way so you’ll end up with less crunch.

3. Flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process is a total game changer. It makes sure they cook evenly on both sides, so your chicken wont be overcooked on one side and underdone on the other.

4. Using a meat thermometer is a smart move if you have one around. Checking they reached 165°F inside guarantees your chicken is both safe to eat and super juicy when you pull it out of the oven.