Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistibly crunchy and flavorful Pecan Crusted Chicken Drumsticks! This easy baked chicken recipe features tender drumsticks coated in a savory blend of finely chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, these drumsticks are baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes. Ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining, they pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. A healthy alternative to fried chicken, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its irresistible nutty crust and bold seasoning.
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not powdery. Transfer the chopped pecans to a shallow dish and mix with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water.
Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Dredge each drumstick in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring itβs evenly coated, and then press it into the pecan mixture, covering the drumstick entirely.
Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
Lightly drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil or spray them with nonstick cooking spray to help the coating crisp up as it cooks.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35β40 minutes, or until the drumsticks are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Calories |
3334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 228.1 g | 292% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.0 g | 210% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 32.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1136 mg | 379% | |
| Sodium | 3808 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.0 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.6 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 225.1 g | 450% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 537 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 2778 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.