The best flavor-packed Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks you will ever make! Great for an easy dinner, as you only need 10 minutes of prep time to make these juicy and tasty drumsticks!

You guys already know how much I love easy dinners! So, baked chicken drumsticks happen quite often in my home especially on busy weeknights. We love drumsticks because they turn out much juicier than chicken breasts.

All you need is 10 minutes of prep time! Then the chicken goes into the oven so the oven can do its work, cooking the chicken to be nice and golden brown on the outside.

While the oven does its work, you can make a side dish to go with the chicken. Make some Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables, 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese, or some Garlic Herb Rice to go with the chicken!

Love chicken drumsticks? Also check out these Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops and One Pan Chicken and Potatoes and Veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Chicken Drumstick recipe is one that you should have on repeat in your home for several reasons:

• It is mouthwatering! The chicken skin is crispy, and the drumsticks as a whole are garlicky, slightly herby, juicy, and tasty. No boring drumsticks here!
• It is affordable! Chicken drumsticks are quite affordable even when you get the organic ones. I love to stock up on them because they make a really easy and tasty dinner! You need very simple ingredients for this chicken drumsticks recipe.
• It is easy to make! Did I already mention it only requires 10 minutes of prep time? perfect for busy moms like me. With this recipe, you can still get dinner on the table on busy nights. And you don’t need extra ingredients like flour or baking powder.
• It pairs with many side dishes! The paring possibilities are endless with crispy chicken drumsticks. These tasty chicken legs go with many side dishes, from vegetable sides to carby delights.

What Can You Season Chicken With?

Dried spices and herbs are great for seasoning chicken. They impart great flavor and are easy to use since you do not have to prep them first.

Check the recipe card below for exact measurements of all the ingredients used in my seasoning mix. You can season chicken drumsticks with pantry staples and it will turn out great!

For tasty baked chicken legs, season the chicken with:

• garlic powder
• onion powder
• ginger powder
• dried basil
• red pepper flakes
• chicken bouillon powder
• salt and black pepper

Also, add some olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or any flavorless oil because the oil adds more flavor, promotes even browning, and keeps the chicken moist. If you would like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How To Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

You can make easy crispy baked chicken drumsticks in 4 easy steps:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Add the seasonings and oil. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken drumsticks.
3. Place the chicken in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in preheated oven until thoroughly cooked through. The chicken should register 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer to be considered done.

Seasoning Variations

If you do not have to use my exact seasoning blend, use the spices and herbs you have on hand for your drumsticks.

Some herbs that go well with chicken are parsley, rosemary and thyme. So feel free to throw them in if you have them. Other spices that go well with chicken are onion powder, ground cumin, and paprika.

Other options for seasoning baked chicken drumsticks are wet marinades. Two of my favorite wet marinades are:

• Green seasoning: This blend of fresh herbs and spices makes any meat or fish taste so good!
• Jerk marinade: This Jamaican jerk marinade is loaded with flavor and goes so well with chicken.

How Long Does it Take for Drumsticks to Cook in the Oven?

Chicken drumsticks cook in the oven for about 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, while avoiding touching the bone. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken to be considered done.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, no worries. Just ensure that you cook your drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for up to 45 minutes and it will be well done.

To be sure the chicken is done, cut a drumstick with a knife. If the juices run clear then the chicken is done.

Experts Tips for Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• For the best flavor, let the chicken drumsticks marinate in the herbs and spices covered for 2-8 hours in the fridge before you bake them.
• Line your baking sheet with foil paper and brush it with oil or spray with cooking spray before placing the chicken on it. That way, you can remove and discard the foil when done and easily clean up the baking sheet.
• Instead of foil, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and skip brushing with oil as parchment paper doesn’t stick.
• Adding oil to the marinade adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• If you want the skin of the chicken drumsticks to be crispier, place them under the broiler for about 2 minutes after they are done. Watch them carefully so they do not burn.
• You can make this baked chicken legs recipe in an air fryer instead.

If you love your chicken more on the grilled side, try my Perfect Grilled Chicken. Also, check out my recipes for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs and Baked Chicken Leg Quarters.

Serving Crispy Chicken Legs

Serve these crispy baked chicken legs with the following sides:

• Easy Roasted Potatoes
• Fried Carrots
• Garlic Butter Green Beans
• Garlic Herb Rice
• Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Recipe FAQs

More Chicken Leg Recipes

• Chicken Drumsticks in Creamy Sauce
• Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops
• PERFECT GRILLED CHICKEN

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