Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a simple, flavorful, and juicy way to prepare chicken drumsticks with a blend of spices including smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, and a hint of brown sugar. Baked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and moist inside, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served alongside your favorite sides like potato wedges or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prepares the baking surface and ensures easy cleanup.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, place the chicken drumsticks then drizzle with the tablespoon of oil. Use kitchen tongs to toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated with the oil, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Season the Drumsticks: Sprinkle the onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), salt, and black pepper over the drumsticks. Toss again with the tongs to distribute the spices evenly over each piece of chicken for balanced flavor.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the seasoned drumsticks out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, use a second baking sheet to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick reads 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and serve hot. These baked drumsticks pair wonderfully with potato wedges, rice, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes for best results, or alternatively, reheat in the oven for 10 minutes or microwave.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick (approximately 100 grams)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
