Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that packs big flavor with minimal fuss, I’ve got you covered with my Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. This one has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s juicy, crispy on the outside, and seasoned just right — perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Stick with me and I’ll share all the little tips and tricks I’ve learned so you nail it every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, you don’t need anything fancy — just simple, everyday pantry staples that enhance the natural goodness of the chicken.

• Chicken drumsticks: I love buying them bone-in and skin-on for juiciness and crispy skin.
• Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispy skin; I usually go with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable.
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without the need to chop fresh onions.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky flavor that really makes this recipe special.
• Dried oregano: A fragrant herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Just a touch adds a hint of sweetness that balances the smoky paprika.
• Salt: Essential for flavor and helping to crisp the skin.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a little kick to round out the seasoning.

Variations

I love how versatile this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is — you can easily tweak the flavor profile or make dietary adjustments depending on what you have or who you’re cooking for. Feel free to get creative!

• Spicy Variation: Kick things up by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix; my family loves the extra heat!
• Herbaceous Twist: Swap oregano for fresh rosemary or thyme for a different herbal note; fresh herbs work beautifully if you have them on hand.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your paprika and spices to be sure they don’t have additives.
• Sweet & Tangy: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks after baking for a bright finish — I discovered this trick during a summer cookout and it really elevates the dish.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is key for achieving that crispy skin we all love. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Trust me, this little step saves you time later!

Step 2: Toss Chicken with Oil and Seasonings

Place your chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of oil and toss everything with kitchen tongs so each piece gets a nice coating. Then sprinkle onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, and pepper over them. Toss again until the drumsticks are evenly coated with your flavorful mix — no dry spots here!

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Spread the drumsticks out on your baking sheet in a single layer, giving them space so they bake evenly and the skin crisps up rather than steaming. If you’re batch cooking, use a second sheet to avoid crowding. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes — this helps lock in their juices. Serve with your favorite sides like crispy potato wedges, rice, or a simple salad to balance all that luscious flavor. My family goes crazy for this combo!

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping my drumsticks with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions — it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the smoky seasoning. Sometimes a little lemon zest or a wedge to squeeze over makes the flavors really sing!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this oven baked chicken drumsticks recipe are crispy roasted potato wedges, garlic rice, or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. For veggies, roasted carrots or steamed broccoli work wonders — simple but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the drumsticks on a large platter garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs. If you’re feeling festive, brush them lightly with a honey glaze at the end and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds — it’s always a hit at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge — they keep well for up to 5 days. This recipe actually tastes great reheated, which makes it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to keep the texture intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked drumsticks many times: just wrap them tightly or pop in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, my favorite method is the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes — it crisps the skin back up without drying out the meat. You can also use the oven set to 350°F for 10 minutes or use the microwave in a pinch, though the skin won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe has truly earned a spot in my regular rotation because it hits all the right notes: simple, flavorful, and reliably delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the juicy, crispy drumsticks that my family can’t get enough of. Once you get the hang of it, it’s one of those recipes you return to again and again when you want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal.

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