Sometimes the best dinners are the simplest, and chicken drumsticks are a perfect example: easy to make, super affordable, kid-friendly, and packed with juicy flavor! With just a few pantry spices and a hot oven (or grill!), you can whip up golden, crispy drumsticks that are perfect for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or game day snacks.
This recipe keeps the chicken crispy on the outside and tender inside, without needing to deep fry. Customize the seasoning however you like—sweet, smoky, spicy, or herby!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 10–12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Drumsticks
🔥 Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for crispier skin.
🍗 Space out the drumsticks on the tray—crowding = steaming instead of crisping.
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer — cook to 175–180°F for the juiciest dark meat.
🌿 Marinate ahead of time for even more flavor (even 30 minutes helps).
👧 Let kids shake the drumsticks in a seasoning bag—fun and easy clean-up!
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Large bowl or zip-top bag
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
Substitutions & Variations
🌿 Fresh herbs? Add chopped rosemary, parsley, or cilantro before serving
🍯 Sweet version? Add a drizzle of honey before the last 5 minutes of baking
🌶️ Extra spicy? Increase cayenne or add hot sauce to the marinade
🧈 Buttery twist? Brush with melted garlic butter after baking
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
- Freeze raw, seasoned drumsticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months
- Reheat baked drumsticks in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp back up
How to Make Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Prep the Drumsticks
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil and all spices until evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Drumsticks
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp and internal temp reaches 175–180°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with dipping sauces or your favorite sides!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F to restore crispiness
- Shred leftover meat for sandwiches, salads, or wraps
Final Thoughts
Chicken drumsticks are one of those meals that never fail—easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic, turn up the heat, or add a honey glaze at the end, these juicy, crispy drumsticks are pure comfort food.
💬 What seasoning twist did you try? Honey BBQ, spicy Cajun, buttery herb? Share your flavor combos in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what you cooked up! 🍗✨
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