Crispy Golden Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Family Dinner

Sizzling and golden-brown baked chicken drumsticks recipe deliver a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

These juicy drumsticks promise a simple yet extraordinary meal packed with savory goodness.

The secret lies in a perfect blend of seasonings that coat each piece of chicken with irresistible flavor.

Home cooks adore this straightforward technique that turns ordinary chicken into a spectacular dinner centerpiece.

Every bite promises tender meat with a crispy exterior that seals in all the delicious juices.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly in your kitchen.

Let’s find out this recipe and transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Build Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Select fresh, plump drumsticks with smooth skin and no discoloration, preferably from free-range or organic sources for better flavor and texture.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Creates a robust, aromatic foundation that enhances the chicken's natural taste without adding moisture or chunky texture.
• Kosher Salt: Helps tenderize meat and intensify overall seasoning profile, providing a clean, pure saltiness.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet undertones and beautiful reddish color to the chicken's exterior.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Introduces a subtle tangy depth and helps create a more complex flavor profile.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Delivers a sharp, spicy kick that complements the other seasonings and adds gentle heat.

Tools to Get Evenly Cooked Drumsticks at Home

• Large zip-top bag or mixing bowl: Perfect for combining spices and coating chicken.
• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting drumsticks evenly.
• Wire rack: Helps chicken crisp up by allowing air circulation underneath.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Aluminum foil: Keeps baking sheet clean and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for mixing the right amount of spices.
• Tongs: Great for handling and arranging chicken on the rack.

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks with Juicy Results

• Spice Blend Preparation

Create a flavorful seasoning mix by combining aromatic powders to enhance the chicken’s taste profile. Gently massage the spices onto each drumstick, ensuring complete coverage. Let the chicken absorb the seasonings at room temperature or chill overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

• Oven Setup

Warm the kitchen with a preheated oven at 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack to promote even air circulation and crispy skin. If refrigerated, allow chicken to rest and come to room temperature before cooking.

• Roasting Magic

Position drumsticks with skin facing upward on the rack. Slide into the hot oven and let the magic happen. Cook until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, promising juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that’ll make mouths water.

Tips for Crispy Skin and Tender Inside

• Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the spice blend for an extra flavor punch.
• Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure the most crackly, golden-brown exterior that everyone loves.
• Marinate drumsticks overnight in the spice mixture to let flavors deeply penetrate the meat, creating more intense taste in every bite.
• Pair these drumsticks with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that'll impress family and friends.
• Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix for those who enjoy a little extra zest.

Serving Baked Chicken Drumsticks as a Meal or App

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these crispy drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes that absorb the delicious spice blend perfectly.
• Colorful Side Companion: Toss a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich chicken flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick honey mustard or ranch sauce using Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices to complement the drumsticks' zesty seasoning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange drumsticks on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Drumsticks

• Smart Seasoning Storage: Transfer remaining spice mix to an airtight container, keeping it fresh for future recipes. Store in a cool, dark pantry spot for up to 3 months, ready to elevate your next meal.
• Chicken Freshness Strategy: Refrigerate seasoned drumsticks in a sealed container for maximum 2 days before cooking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or use a container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain optimal flavor and prevent cross-contamination.
• Leftover Magic Technique: Store cooked drumsticks in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture. Reheat thoroughly at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Wrap cooled, uncut drumsticks individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring food safety and maintaining delicious taste.

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican chicken drumsticks blend zesty seasonings with crispy skin for a mouthwatering dinner. Home cooks can easily prepare this flavorful dish with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 chicken drumsticks (2.5 to 3 lbs / 1.1 to 1.4 kg)
• 1.5 tsp onion powder
• 1.25 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dry mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend onion powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, dry mustard powder, and black pepper in a spacious container, creating a dynamic spice mixture.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry drumsticks with paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to enhance seasoning adherence and promote crisp texture.
3. Flavor Infusion: Generously coat each drumstick with the spice blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration. Allow seasoned meat to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 12 hours for intensified taste.
4. Oven Configuration: Position rack in middle position and preheat to 400°F. Prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire cooling rack to facilitate optimal air circulation and crispy exterior development.
5. Roasting Process: Arrange drumsticks skin-side up on the rack, maintaining slight spacing between pieces. Roast for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until skin achieves golden-brown coloration and internal temperature reaches 165°F when verified with a meat thermometer.
6. Resting Stage: Remove drumsticks from oven and let rest 5-7 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick and create crispy skin.
• Flavor Development: Let seasoned drumsticks rest at room temperature or marinate overnight to enhance taste and texture.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Rack Technique: Use a wire cooling rack on a baking sheet to promote even cooking and achieve a crispy exterior on all sides of the drumsticks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg