Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken drumsticks that impresses with its flavor and crunch, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Legs
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks Pat them dry before seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil To help the spices stick.
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Provides color and richness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper For a hint of heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional, for extra crunch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional variation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle olive oil on the drumsticks and toss to coat.
- Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and optionally brown sugar and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and toss well to coat. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the drumsticks on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through. If they aren’t dark enough, broil for an additional couple of minutes.
Notes
Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies. Great for batch cooking and can be doubled or tripled. For a spicy variation, add cayenne or hot honey after baking.