Omg you guys, I have got the easiest, best new recipe for you: Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks.
My sister made us these drumsticks when Bridger and I were visiting a few weeks ago, and it was one of those dinners that everyone inhaled because we all loved it so much. Not even sure any of us came up for air, or conversation, that night (lol). Compliments to the chef, Maddie!
EFFORTLESSLY TENDER AND SERIOUSLY SEASONED
As soon as Bridge and I got home from visiting my sister and her fam in Vegas, I knew I immediately needed to remake these Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks and share with you all. You’re welcome!
Let me start by saying I never thought anything would come close to my Honey Glazed Garlic Chicken Wings, but these drumsticks hit. They’re fall-apart-in-your-mouth tender and seriously seasoned to perfection.
This is truly a recipe everyone needs to try at least once. They’re not only tasty but incredibly easy to make. Sharing the full recipe below, but all you need to do is pat the drumsticks dry, toss with olive oil and all the seasonings, and pop ‘em in the oven to bake for a bit. Effortless, to say the least!
AN UNDERRATED, NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS PROTEIN
If you ask me, chicken drumsticks are underrated. They don’t get enough attention, but I’m here to change to that.
Drumsticks are an excellent source of a handful of vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B6, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
If you’re unfamiliar with some of these, I got you! Selenium is an essential mineral that can help support the healthy functioning of your body, including your metabolism, immune system, and thyroid function.
Phosphorus is known to play an essential role in how the body stores and uses energy, as well as helps to filter out waste in the kidneys. And perhaps most relevant for all my GOOD // SWEAT workout girlies, phosphorus is also known to aid in reducing muscle pain after a workout. Love that for all of us.
Ok now if all of the above isn’t enough to sell you on these Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks, then let’s take a moment to talk about the seasonings that really make this recipe so drool-worthy. Garlic + chili powders, oregano, paprika, salt + pepper, aka seasoning perfection. Trust me when I say this is a must-make nutritious and delicious recipe!
WHAT TO PAIR WITH THESE SEASONED CRISPY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
While these Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks are finger-lickin’ good on their own, they somehow taste even more incredible when paired with my Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes and peas. I mean … game. over. You need this dinner asap! It’s seriously such a good comfort meal.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Pasture-raised chicken drumsticks
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Ground pepper
HOW TO MAKE SEASONED CRISPY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Preheat the oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pat all of the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then add to a large bowl.
Once all drumsticks are in a bowl, make sure the skin of the chicken is covering the drumstick, not folded. Toss with olive oil, then add your seasonings and mix until fully coated.
Prepare a baking sheet and rack by spraying with oil (with the rack stacked on top of the baking sheet, to allow enough air to circulate around the drumsticks while cooking). Add each drumstick to the pan, then bake for 35 minutes. Remove and flip before baking for the remaining 15 minutes.
They’re done once they’re golden and crispy. Enjoy!
Store any leftover, cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS
I’m kind of biased, but I think my sister nailed it with these Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks, so the recipe is already chef’s kiss, but of course you can customize the seasonings to your liking.
Like I mentioned above, I like to serve these with my Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes and peas. Sometimes I’ll also serve them with dinner rolls, like these Everything Biscuits from Cappello’s (bonus points because they’re gluten-free; I have a gluten intolerance).
You could also try serving with my Crispy Buttery Broccolini and rice. So many options!
As far as making the drumsticks any other way, I’ve only baked them in the oven and, shockingly, have yet to use an air fryer, but if you give it a try, let me know how it goes in the comments. Just be sure to appropriately adjust the cooking time and temperature when cooking in the air fryer.
WHY IS MY CHICKEN NOT CRISPY IN THE OVEN?
One reason your chicken drumsticks may not be crispy after baking in the oven is the temperature was too low. To achieve crispy chicken skin, it’s best to bake the chicken at a higher temperature, as I do here for these Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks – baking at 420. Generally, depending on the recipe and size of the chicken, you’ll want to bake them anywhere between 375 to 425.
It’s also important to bake them on a rack on top of a baking sheet to allow the air to circulate around them to cook evenly and prevent them from cooking/sitting in their juices.
SHOP THIS RECIPE:
HOW DO YOU KEEP DRUMSTICKS FROM DRYING OUT IN THE OVEN?
For starters, it’s important to cook them at the right temperature as overcooking is a surefire way to dry them out. As mentioned above, you’ll want to use a rack on top of a baking sheet when baking them as this allows air to circulate, helping them cook evenly.
Another important step that sometimes gets overlooked is allowing the drumsticks a few minutes to rest after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ultimately making it juicier.
Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning. Generously seasoning your drumsticks is key, but you could also try marinating or brining your drumsticks a few hours before baking to add moisture and enhance the flavor.
LOVE THESE SEASONED CRISPY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS? HERE’S MORE EASY AND DELISH RECIPES TO TRY:
Honey-Glazed Garlic Chicken Wings
3 Meals Using Chicken Breast That Will Get You Excited About Dinner
Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂
Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- baking rack
- baking sheet
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 packs pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, or about 13-15 drumsticks
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat all of the drumsticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then add to a large bowl.
- Once all drumsticks are in a bowl, make sure the skin of the chicken is covering the drumstick, not folded. Toss with olive oil, then add your seasonings and mix until fully coated.
- Prepare a baking sheet and rack by spraying with oil (with the rack stacked on top of the baking sheet, to allow enough air to circulate around the drumsticks while cooking). Add each drumstick to the pan, then bake for 35 minutes. Remove and flip before baking for the remaining 15 minutes.
- They’re done once they’re golden and crispy. Enjoy!
- Store any leftover, cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
