When baked, the drumsticks get tender on the inside and nicely browned on the outside. You can season them simply with salt and pepper, or add garlic, paprika, herbs, or a marinade for extra flavor.
🍗 Simple Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
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8 chicken drumsticks
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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Optional: ½ tsp dried thyme, oregano, or chili powder
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Prepare drumsticks: Pat chicken dry with paper towels (helps the skin crisp).
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Season: In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any optional herbs.
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Arrange on baking sheet: Place drumsticks on the sheet with some space between them.
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Bake: 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
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Optional broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
🍴 Serving Ideas
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Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
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Brush with BBQ sauce or honey-garlic glaze during the last 10 minutes for a sweet-savory twist.
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Great for meal prep — refrigerates up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
I can also generate an image of golden-baked chicken drumsticks with a crispy skin on a plate with sides if you want. Do you want me to do that?