Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Worth cooking

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. We 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 we already mention it only requires 10 minutes of prep time? perfect for busy moms like us. 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 our 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.

Chicken bouillon powder takes the flavor of chicken up a notch so we always use some when seasoning chicken.

How it comes together

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.

Bake the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even more crispy skin.

Other ways

If you do not have to use our 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 our favorite wet marinades are:

• Green seasoning: This blend of fresh herbs and spices makes any meat or fish taste worth making again!
• 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.

Cook notes

• 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 our Perfect Grilled Chicken. Also, check out our recipes for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs and Baked Chicken Leg Quarters.

How to serve it

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

• Yield: 8 servings
• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 45 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 18 chicken drumsticks, 5 pounds
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, canola, vegetable, corn or peanut oil would work
• More oil for brushing baking pan, about 1 tablespoon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush oil over the aluminum foil. (This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the foil.) If using parchment paper, no need to brush with oil,
2. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and pat dry with paper towels. To the bowl of chicken drumsticks, add the garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt and olive oil.
3. Mix well so the ingredients evenly coat the chicken. Place on the baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
4. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. For even browning, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of a drumstick not touching the bone. The thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken to be considered done.
5. Remove chicken from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any side dish of choice.