Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe - So Juicy

This is my perfectly cooked chicken drumstick. Crispy, golden skin, incredibly juicy meat, bursting with savory flavor.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks – Very Versatile!

Mouthwatering, juicy, perfectly seasoned drumsticks made so simple and effortless, this recipe will make you think twice about ordering takeout! It’s that ultimate comfort food, and surprisingly easy to achieve right in your own kitchen!

I absolutely love chicken legs! They are so versatile, and I have made them in all kinds of ways. Crispy fried, air-fried, oven-fried, and more. No matter how you cook them, they always turn out delicious and satisfying.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Many people struggle with dry baked chicken, but I'm here to share my foolproof method for baked chicken legs that are always tender on the inside and beautifully crisp on the outside. It’s a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing family meal.

These chicken drumsticks are packed with flavor yet they are easy to prepare. They are great for a quick and easy mid-week dinner and you probably already have most, if not all, of the necessary seasonings in your kitchen, and you’ll be amazed to see how they complement the succulent drumsticks.

As a mom who relies on simple, delicious meals, I’ve baked countless batches of chicken legs. I've fine-tuned this recipe over the years to guarantee consistently perfect results, making it a staple in my own home.

It's all about understanding a few key techniques. From proper seasoning to the right baking temperature that elevate humble drumsticks into something truly special. I'm excited to share all my expert tips with you!

Why Baked Chicken Legs are a Weeknight Winner

• Budget-Friendly: Often one of the most affordable chicken cuts.
• Family Favorite: Universally loved, even by picky eaters.
• Easy & Hands-Off: Minimal prep, oven does most of the work.
• Versatile: Adapts well to different spice blends and marinades.
• Crispy Skin & Juicy Meat: The perfect texture combination.

Ready to bake up some seriously delicious chicken legs?

Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks: Look for plump drumsticks, ideally similar in size for even cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning – this is the secret to crispy skin!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the seasoning adhere, promotes browning, and helps crisp up the skin. Just enough to coat!
• My Signature Spice Blend: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, curry powder, thyme, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and black pepper). This blend offers a fantastic balance of savory, aromatic, and a hint of warmth that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Optional Fresh Herbs (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro at the end adds a pop of freshness and color.

How to Bake Chicken Legs: Step-by-Step Perfection

My step-by-step guide to transform basic chicken drumsticks into a dish your whole family will rave about. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve that coveted crispy skin and juicy interior.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). High heat is essential for that crispy skin and juicy interior!
2. Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the lined sheet. Roasting on a rack allows air to circulate around the drumsticks, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring even crisping.
3. Step 3: Pat the drumsticks very, very dry with paper towels. Remove any excess skin or fat. This is arguably the most important step for achieving crispy skin – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the dried drumsticks with olive oil until lightly coated. Then, sprinkle generously with your signature spice blend, ensuring all surfaces are well-coated. Use your hands to really massage the seasoning in for maximum flavor.
5. Step 5: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren't touching to allow for proper air circulation and browning.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Note: For extra crispiness, if desired, you can briefly increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-10 minutes, or even use the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy meat.

Essential Equipment:

• Large baking sheet.
• Meat thermometer: A good instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend here! It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat every time (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C)

Common Questions (FAQs)

How long do I bake chicken legs?

The baking time for chicken legs typically depends on their size and your desired doneness. Generally, at 400∘F (200∘C), chicken legs (drumsticks and/or thighs) will take 35-45 minutes to bake. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165∘F (74∘C) at the thickest part using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

My chicken skin isn't crispy, what went wrong?

• Not dry enough: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Pat your chicken legs thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking. For even crispier results, you can let them air dry in the refrigerator for a few hours.
• Oven not hot enough: A high oven temperature is crucial for rendering fat and crisping the skin. Ensure your oven is preheated to at least 425F.
• Pan overcrowded: Overcrowding the pan traps steam, preventing the skin from crisping. Give each chicken leg enough space for air to circulate around it.
• No wire rack: Baking the chicken directly on a flat baking sheet can leave the bottom skin soggy. A wire rack set inside a baking sheet allows air to circulate all around the chicken, promoting even crisping and preventing the bottom from sitting in rendered fat.

Can I use frozen drumsticks?

No, you should not bake frozen drumsticks directly. They need to be thawed completely before baking for even cooking. Baking from frozen will result in uneven cooking, with the outside potentially overcooked while the inside remains undercooked or even raw.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

• Storing: Store leftover baked chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For best results and to maintain moisture, reheat leftovers gently. You can reheat in the
  • Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350F until warmed through (about 10-15minutes), covering loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350F (175C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Microwave: While quick, the microwave can sometimes make the chicken rubbery. Reheat in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warmed, checking frequently.
• Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet? Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the baking sheet with your chicken legs for a convenient one-pan meal! However, you need to consider the timing as some vegetables cook faster than others.

How long to make Baked Chicken Legs?

You can have this recipe ready to serve in about 45 minutes, and most of that is cook time! The prep time takes less than 10 minutes.

Are Baked Chicken Drumsticks healthy?

They are definitely healthier than when they are fried! This recipe only uses a little olive oil. Baked chicken drumsticks are certainly nutritious and you can make them even enjoy them more by pairing them with vegetables.

Flavor Variations:

You can suit the seasoning to your tastes by including:

• Brining for Juiciness: If time is on your side, you can soa the chicken in a quick brine (salt water solution). This will add more moisture to the chicken. Though it's optional for this recipe.
• Flavor Customization: You can also experiment with different spice blends like my creole spice blend, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning blend, or my Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
• Don't Crowd the Pan: Spacing is crucial for crispiness.
• Don't Rely on Visuals Alone: Try to use a good meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

What side dishes pair perfectly with baked chicken legs?

• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Mashed potatoes
• Salad
• rice and beans
• Oven roasted sweet potatoes

I truly believe this Baked Chicken Legs recipe will become a quick favorite in your kitchen. It’s comforting, easy, and undeniably delicious! Give it a try, and let me know how your crispy, juicy drumsticks turned out. Happy cooking!

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Other Easy Chicken dinner recipes you might want to try:

• Jamaican Jerk Chicken wings
• Baked Chicken and Potatoes
• Easy dry rub roast chicken
• Peri-Peri Chicken
• Baked Chicken Breasts
• Air fryer Chicken legs
• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Chicken Fricassée
• Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

If you make these Baked Chicken drumsticks, I’d love to see pictures of your creations on Instagram or Facebook. #cheflolaskitchen