Juicy, flavorful, and flawlessly tender, these Simple Baked Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect weeknight dinner solution that will delight the whole family! With only a handful of pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano, these drumsticks achieve a mouthwatering blend of savory and smoky spices. After just 10 minutes of prep, they bake to perfection in the oven, delivering irresistibly crispy skin and juicy meat without the fuss of frying. This crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy evenings and pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Whether you're after a quick family meal or an easy dish for entertaining, these baked drumsticks check all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the wire rack with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps to ensure crispy skin.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a seasoning paste.
Brush the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken drumsticks using a pastry brush or your hands.
Place the drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Calories |
1658 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.1 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.2 g | 126% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2926 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 178.9 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 124 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1909 mg | 41% | |
*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.