You all are aware of my fondness for simple dinner staples, correct? Baked chicken drumsticks are precisely that – a straightforward, foolproof recipe for a main course that requires minimal preparation or exertion. Simply season the chicken to your liking, place them in the oven, and then shift your attention to your side dishes or other tasks that demand your focus while the drumsticks effortlessly cook themselves. They are uncomplicated, delicious, and the ideal “emergency” meal option for those moments when you simply wish to avoid the hassle of pondering, “what’s for dinner?”
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Drumsticks (or Thighs)
Chicken thighs with the bone-in and skin on, known as dark meat, are incredibly forgiving when it comes to cooking. The skin acts as a barrier that locks in moisture, while the meat’s higher fat content ensures it remains succulent and tender. If you prefer, you can easily substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs following the same steps outlined in the recipe below.
Because chicken breast is a leaner cut of meat, it requires a slightly different cooking technique. If you have bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, I recommend following the instructions in my Herb Roasted Chicken Breast recipe. On the other hand, for boneless skinless chicken breast, it is best to use the method outlined in my Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast recipe.
Other Seasoning Ideas for Chicken Drumsticks
For this chicken drumsticks recipe, I opted for a traditional combination of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano. However, feel free to choose any seasoning blend that appeals to your taste buds as there are endless possibilities! Here are a few suggestions to spice up your oven-baked chicken drumsticks:
Looking for a dipping sauce? Give these mouthwatering sauces a try with your chicken drumsticks:
What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks
I prepared a batch of Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice as a delicious accompaniment to my chicken drumsticks. However, it would also pair perfectly with popular dishes such as mashed potatoes, Mushroom Rice, Three Bean Salad, Oven Roasted Broccoli, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, Simple Sautéed Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Loaded Smashed Potatoes, Herby Potato Salad, or Classic Coleslaw.
How to Make Chicken Drumsticks – Step by Step Photos
To start, preheat your oven to 425ºF. Next, choose the herbs and spices you’d like to season your drumsticks with (refer to the information provided earlier in the recipe for some suggestions). For my seasoning mix, I opted for a straightforward combination of 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ tsp salt.
In a large bowl, place approximately 1.75 pounds of chicken drumsticks and evenly pour 2 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil over them.
Coat the drumsticks evenly by tossing them in a mixture of oil and spices.
To ensure the chicken drumsticks are not touching, place them on a baking sheet with enough space in between. If desired, you may use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Cook the chicken drumsticks in the oven for approximately 40 minutes, flipping them once in the middle, or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF.
Serve hot and savor (garnished with parsley for visual appeal, unnecessary for taste).
