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Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks, golden brown and crispy, are displayed as the featured image.

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Achieve perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat with these easy oven-baked chicken drumsticks. This recipe uses simple techniques and readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 12 Chicken Drumsticks about 3 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • wire rack
  • Large bowl
  • paper towels
  • Meat Thermometer
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny is covered.
  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the chicken drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the drumsticks, promoting even cooking and crispier skin. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place them directly on the baking sheet, but be sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken drumsticks for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone.
  5. Rest: Remove the chicken drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is very dry before seasoning. You can also broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch closely to prevent burning. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.