Baked Chicken Drumsticks are super easy to make, and they’re one of the most economical cuts of chicken. We’ll show you how to bake juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with this easy step-by-step recipe. Get tips on seasonings to use, cooking time, and temperature for the best baked chicken drumsticks!

Chicken Drumsticks are Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Groceries are expensive. That’s something I think we can all relate too. Chicken drumsticks are affordable, and they often come in large packs so they can feed a crowd, or yield enough leftovers for another meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning simple weeknight meals, this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bake the perfect chicken drumsticks. You can choose to make your own seasoning, or play around with whatever you like. You may even have a store bought seasoning you enjoy, and you can definitely use that here, too!

8-12 chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
Olive oil
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Smoked Paprika
Thyme
Brown sugar
Salt
Pepper

Preparing Drumsticks

Luckily, drumsticks are pretty plug and play. We leave the skin on for the best flavor, and they’re served bone in, so you don’t need to do hardly anything to get them ready! I do recommend patting them with a paper towel if they have a fair amount of excess moisture. This will help crisp them up as they bake.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Drumsticks

Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Line a large sheet pan with foil (no need to spray with nonstick, we’ll use olive oil in the next step!)
Prepare seasoning in a small bowl and mix to combine.
Place chicken drumsticks on sheet pan.
Drizzle drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle entirety of seasoning on top of chicken.
Using clean hands, rub chicken drumsticks with seasoning until they are fully coated.
1. TIP: Be sure to really get in the drumstick, and add the seasoning underneath the skin for the best flavor.
One fully seasoned, place the sheet pan with the drumsticks on it in the oven.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.
1. Note: Sometimes oven temperatures can vary quite a bite. Be sure to use an electronic meat thermometer for the most accurate reading!

Storing & Serving Drumsticks

I’ve served chicken drumsticks as appetizers, and as a main course.

You could serve them with a couple sauces to mix them up. I love them with roasted red pepper sauce and Greek yogurt honey mustard. Chicken and rice is always a favorite, but if you want to add in a salad, a simple garden salad is my absolute favorite!

Storing Leftover Chicken

Allow the chicken to cool, then place it in a lidded container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simple place them on a sheet pan in the oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit until they reach 165 degrees internally.
There’s some debate on what temperature precooked chicken should be reheated too. The safest answer is 165 degrees but you could probably be fine if you go a little lower, however, chef’s call.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

Cheers to easy recipes with protein that don’t cost a fortune, our favorite kind! – Kathi and Rachel

What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

This easy guide results in the best tasting chicken drumsticks. A super economical cut of chicken with loads of flavor, and easy step by step instructions.

No ratings yet

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Resting Time: 10

Total Time: 45

Servings: drumsticks

Author: Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

2 lbs drumsticks (this is roughly 8-12 drumsticks)
2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked pepper
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp brown sugar (opt out if paleo)
1 tsp onion powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Line a large sheet pan with foil.
Prepare seasoning in a small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside
Place chicken drumsticks on sheet pan. Drizzle drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle entirety of seasoning on top of chicken.
Using clean hands, rub chicken drumsticks with seasoning until they are fully coated.
TIP: Be sure to really get in the drumstick, and add the seasoning underneath the skin for the best flavor.
Place the sheet pan with the drumsticks on it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.
Allow to cool until safe to handle, about 10 minutes. Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken Drumsticks are Perfect for Weeknight Dinners