Transform your dinner table with these irresistible Spicy Chicken Drumsticks—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted to golden perfection! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a tantalizing marinade of smoky paprika, zesty lemon juice, and fiery cayenne pepper, balanced by a touch of sweet brown sugar. Designed for maximum flavor, these drumsticks can be marinated for extra depth and baked to crispy magnificence in under 40 minutes. The optional red pepper flakes add an extra kick, making them the perfect choice for spice lovers. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing party snack or a hearty weeknight meal, serve these drumsticks alongside coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete and satisfying dish. Want crispy skin? A quick broil at the end seals the deal, delivering a restaurant-quality experience straight from your oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to help with even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Add red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and massage it into the chicken to ensure even coating. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor (optional if short on time).
Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer a crispier finish, broil the drumsticks for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Calories |
1708 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.8 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.4 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2932 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g | ||
| Protein | 179.5 g | 359% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 130 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2025 mg | 43% | |
*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.