Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are juicy on the inside with a flavorful, golden crust on the outside. They’re seasoned with a perfect mix of spices and herbs, then oven-roasted to crispy perfection. Simple, healthy, and crowd-pleasing—great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
8–10 chicken drumsticks (skin-on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it
Season the Chicken
Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add all the spices and herbs. Toss well to coat evenly
Arrange and Bake
Lay the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F)
Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges if desired
Tips
Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up better
Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even air circulation and crispier skin
Don’t overcrowd the pan—leave space between drumsticks to allow even roasting
Flip halfway through baking for even browning on all sides
Let them rest 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices
Variations
Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix
Lemon herb: Add lemon zest and rosemary or thyme for a citrusy twist
Barbecue-style: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes of baking
Buffalo wings twist: Toss with buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese
Gluten-free breading: Coat with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour before baking for extra crunch
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead?
A: Yes you can substitute drumsticks with thighs or wings but adjust cooking time based on the cut and size
Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
A: Use a wire rack to elevate the drumsticks during baking and broil for the last 2–3 minutes if needed
Q: Can I air fry them?
A: Yes cook in an air fryer at 200°C or 400°F for about 20–25 minutes flipping halfway
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness
Nutrition Info (per serving based on 6 servings)
Calories 290
Protein 25g
Carbohydrates 1g
Fat 20g
Saturated Fat 5g
Sodium 480mg
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g
Note Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients used
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are an easy flavorful meal the whole family will love. With a crunchy golden skin and juicy meat inside they’re perfect for weeknight dinners game days or meal prepping. Plus they’re oven-friendly healthier than fried and endlessly customizable with your favorite spices and sauces