Indulge in the bold, fiery flavors of Spicy Baked Chicken, a crowd-pleaser that's as satisfying as it is easy to make. This recipe combines tender chicken drumsticks with a smoky, aromatic spice blend featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powders, delivering the perfect kick in every bite. A touch of honey and lemon juice adds subtle sweetness and tang, balancing the heat while caramelizing into a mouthwatering glaze during baking. With minimal prep time and a simple oven-baked method, youβll achieve perfectly crisp skin and juicy meat without the fuss of frying. Serve these zesty drumsticks fresh from the oven, garnished with chopped parsley for a vibrant, flavorful finish thatβs perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Whether you're looking for a high-protein dinner or a spicy appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice mix.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispy skin.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken drumsticks and rub it in to coat each piece generously.
Sprinkle the spice mix over the drumsticks and use your hands to rub the seasoning evenly onto all sides of each drumstick.
In another small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and honey. Set aside for later use.
Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
With about 5 minutes of baking time remaining, brush the tops of the drumsticks with the lemon juice and honey mixture for added flavor and a slight glaze.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
Calories |
1657 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.3 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2927 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.4 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 178.7 g | 357% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 115 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 1949 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.