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A close-up shot of juicy, perfectly seasoned oven-baked chicken drumsticks fresh out of the oven.
FL Recipes

Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Extra Crispy & Juicy!)

The ultimate guide to making incredibly crispy and juicy oven-baked chicken drumsticks. This simple, foolproof recipe uses pantry staples to deliver a flavorful, perfect weeknight dinner every time.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks about 8 drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the dry drumsticks in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken and toss again until each drumstick is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring there is space between each one for even cooking.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should read at least 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalProtein: 28gFat: 18gFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: Do not skip the wire rack! It's the secret to getting crispy skin all the way around.
Tip 2: Ensure your drumsticks are in a single layer and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to promote even browning and crisping.
Tip 3: You can experiment with other seasonings like dried herbs (thyme, rosemary) or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Keyword baked chicken drumsticks,chicken leg recipe,crispy chicken

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