Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These baked chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, they are endlessly customizable with your favorite flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless, your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Cooking Guide:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
4. Toss the chicken drumsticks in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
5. Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin: Bake the chicken drumsticks for the first 20 minutes on the bottom rack of your oven. Then, crank the heat up to 450°F (230°C) and move the baking sheet to the top rack for the remaining 10-20 minutes.
• Add a kick of heat: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a spicy kick.
• Flavor variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices! Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a lemon pepper marinade are all delicious options.
• Sides: Pair these baked chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Enjoy!