You guys know how I love easy dinner staples, right? Baked chicken drumsticks are exactly that—an easy, no-brainer main dish recipe that you make with barely any planning or effort. Just coat the chicken with your favorite seasoning, toss them in the oven, and then focus on your side dishes or whatever else you have going on in your life while the drumsticks cook themselves. They’re easy, tasty, and the perfect “emergency” meal for when you just don’t want to have to think about, “what’s for dinner?”
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Use Bone-In, Skin-On Drumsticks (or Thighs)
Dark meat chicken, like drumsticks and thighs, is very forgiving, especially when cooked with the bone-in and skin on. The skin helps hold in the moisture and the higher fat content of the meat helps it stay tender and juicy. You can swap in bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs using the same method in the recipe below.
Chicken breast needs a slightly different technique because it is a leaner cut of meat. For a bone-in, skin-on chicken breast I suggest using the method in my Herb Roasted Chicken Breast recipe. Boneless skinless chicken breast should be cooked using the method in my Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breast recipe.
Other Seasoning Ideas for Chicken Drumsticks
I used a very classic mix of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano for this chicken drumsticks recipe, but you can literally use any seasoning blend you like for this. There is so much flexibility! Here are a few ideas for seasoning your oven-baked chicken drumsticks:
- Ranch seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic Herb seasoning
- BBQ (use the dry seasonings in the recipe below and then brush with BBQ Sauce in the last 15 minutes of baking).
- Teriyaki
- Jerk seasoning
- Taco seasoning
Want some sauce for dipping? Try these delicious sauces with your chicken drumsticks:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard sauce
- Comeback sauce
- BBQ sauce
What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks
I made some Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice to serve on the side of my chicken drumsticks, but it would also go great with classics like: 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.
Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Servings 6 piecesIngredients
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder ($0.03)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano ($0.03)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
- 1.75 lbs. chicken drumsticks (6 pieces) ($3.42)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil* ($0.32)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over top. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they're evenly coated in oil and spices.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet with enough space around each so they're not touching. You can line the baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup, if desired.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175ºF, flipping the drumsticks once half-way through. Serve hot.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Equipment
- Enamelware Sheet Pan
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
Notes
Nutrition
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How to Make Chicken Drumsticks – Step by Step Photos
Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Decide what herbs and spices you want to use to season your drumsticks (see the text above the recipe for some ideas). I used a simple mix 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.
Place about 1.75 lbs. chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle 2 Tbsp of your preferred cooking oil over top.
Toss the drumsticks in the oil and spices until everything is evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet spaced out enough so they are not touching. You can line the baking sheet in parchment for easier cleanup if desired.
Bake the chicken drumsticks for about 40 minutes, turning once halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF.
Serve hot and enjoy! (garnished with parsley for color, not needed for flavor)
From the opinion of a total pleb of the cooking world… sometimes seasonings just taste like the individual parts, but in this case they really seemed synergistic. My sister-in-law asked what I had seasoned with.
My wife accidentally used an equivalent amount of garlic and onion powder relative to the paprika (didn’t have smoked paprika so endeavored to use a pinch of chili powder to sub), and it came out great!
I used a Combustion Inc. Leave-in Bluetooth thermometer and cooked to 165F in a little over 20 minutes. Perfecto.
We’ll absolute be making chicken drums more frequently. Quick, easy, and delicious! Thank you!
165 degrees internal chicken temp, not 175. Check the USDA website.
Many people take it out a few degrees before 165 degrees, to compensate for “carryover” temperature rise.
for cooking, i follow recipes pretty loosely. i mainly used this for the temp and time to cook. i had something like 14-16 drumsticks but 425 for 40-45 mins was ideal. i didnt flip them because i used a large roasting pan so they were sitting in the juice. i also use mayo to coat my meats before i season them. it helps prevent the spices from burning compared to using just oil. im not a condiment person At All but i highly recommend trying it. i also a recommended a digital meat thermometer for quick reads. a couple sticks were under 175 so i did do the extra five mins, probably couldve done two or three but they turned out perf. keep an eye on them since every oven is different but i would recommend this recipe. for even better flavor, try letting the sticks marinate for a day or two!
These are incredible, my family of 6 devoured these. New addition to the weekly meal plan! Thank you for these simple meals.
Brilliant. Best drumsticks I’ve ever had! Thank you.
Just made these but it only took 22 min at that temp. The drumsticks are 180°+.
It prob depends on your oven so use caution!
Yes, a great recipe indeed. Flavoursome but nothing too severe, nice for young kids, who don’t like it too spicy, you can always increase the spice amounts if you want more of a kick.
This recipe was amazing! Super easy and chicken came out perfectly cooked. I increased the salt for more flavor.
I made this tonight — WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!! 🎖️🏆 Thank you so much, Beth, for sharing this recipe. Honestly, I was really dreading making the last 5 drumsticks (from a 5lb bag) in the air fryer so I started searching for oven baked recipes and here I am. Big points for being easy and quick!!! This saved me tonight. And my bf LOVED it!! It was delicious!!! I have bookmarked this page, and signed up for the weekly emails. I will definitely be making this again. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 💯🔥🙌💘
425 for 20+20 is the first time I’ve made crispy chicken drums in the oven without baking powder.
I was cooking at 375 // never again.
Made this recipe for diner! Really good and easy.
What if your drumsticks are frozen? Will this still work, just cook longer?
I would definitely try to to thaw first. They would take forever if you try to cook them from frozen.
Excellent recipe. Tried it today for the second time adding 8 drumsticks and the results are delicious. Did not make any changes.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe
These advertisements are beyond ridiculous
Exactly! Can barely even get to the recipe with these ads
Quick, easy, cheap and delicious!! Loved it!
I had a package of 8 drumsticks that was a little shy of 3 lbs. I adjusted the dry seasonings accordingly. I added cumin to my dry seasonings because I just love the earthiness of cumin, and I reduced the amount of salt because I have high blood pressure. Cooked this in my large toaster oven. It came out beyond delicious! This is the 1st recipe I’ve tried of yours, but definitely will be trying more! I love how you explain everything, your tips and your entire website. I am a seasoned cook and even own d a mom & pop restaurant years ago, but I’m looking for budget friendly and easy recipes because my big cooking days are behind me as I’m retired and live alone. Also love being able to batch cook and freeze leftovers! Saves money on energy bill too. Thank you.
It really says a lot that you liked this recipe so much and you have so much experience under your belt. I’m going to try this tonight and I’m encouraged by your comment. Actually many of the comments here are encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!! ❤️
What if you take the skin off of your chicken will the recipe still work
It will still work! Just keep in mind that the skin basically bastes the chicken as it cooks and keeps it moist, so it will likely come out a little dryer.
What if there’s more than 6?
On the recipe card you can adjust the serving number based on how many drumsticks you have and it will adjust the ingredients as needed! Cook time should stay the same but I’d still check the temp with a meat thermometer just in case.
So good and crispy!
My family and I love this blend. It’s also good on oven roasted potatoes.
Thanks for the tip!
This was absolutely delicious and so easy, thank you!!
my family liked your recipe, thanks
Excellent!!! The only thing I didn’t use was the spicy pepper. Both kiddos with sensory issues even ate it!!!!! Neither will eat any type of chicken and they both asked for more!!!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you for the drumstick recipes – that’s what we’ll be having 4 dinner 2nite.
Was looking for right length of time to cook drumsticks in an oven and your seasoning is a great looking mix. Will try that.
I make these all the time. I suggest pulling the skin back and getting some of the spice blend underneath.
Super yummy. Thanks for sharing!
Looking forward to more recommendations
Great Food Ideas!
Baked drumsticks were really good.
Will check for new recipes
Thank you
The spice blend was of my liking. However it’s flavor profile does not seem to mix well with other sides.
Excellent!! A keeper !! Thank you!!
Made this, Wonderful, Thank You.
So easy. Used olive oil. Lemon herb & adobo seasoning. Good, Everyone ate it!
Can I marinade, then bake?
Yes, that’s an option if you prefer. :)
Absolutely delicious, moist and so easy to fix.
The spices didn’t impart any flavor to the chicken, the cooking method leaves room for error such as dry meat and the overall dish is not impressive.
I made these in the air fryer! 400° for 25 minutes, and next time I’ll do just slightly less time to get closer to the 165 mark (mine were 180+ coming out). These were so good! And it took just a couple minutes to throw together!
Easy, delicious recipe! My husband and kids all loved it! One of my kids is extremely picky so I was very surprised when he asked for seconds.
Love your recipe. And my husband loves it also. Thanks for a quick drumstick recipe.
Great 👍
Made this tonight with 3 chicken legs and used the whole seasonings still excellent
I continue to use this recipe constantly. In my oven, 40 min is the perfect time, so I don’t bother anymore to take the temp. I’m using the same sized drumsticks, so that works for me. I alter the spices and enjoy these so much. I make extra for eating them cold too. Thanks❤️
I just followed your oven drumsticks recipe and it was a big hit with my family!! Thank you soooooo much!! Happy bellies!!
Why do recipes like this never include any liquid?
When I cook chicken legs in this manner, they soon go dry and start to burn.
(It’s only been in the oven for ten minutes and the spices are already black.)
You might want to check to see if the temperature of your oven is accurate using a secondary oven thermometer. It shouldn’t be able to burn after only ten minutes because the chicken can’t heat up that fast.
Delicious. We didn’t have onion powder and it was still amazing. Try using smoked paprika for even more flavor.
Hi Beth
Making the drumsticks- thanks!
I added potato slices with the same
seasoning when I flipped the sticks.
Brad
Baked these drumsticks today and they are flavorful following the recipe as written.. turned halfway through baking for 35 minutes @ 425° to reach required internal temperature. The skin wasn’t as crispy as we like so will try a rack in the pan next time or perhaps a few under the broiler at end. Thanks!
Delicious recipe 👏 Thank You 😊
This recipe is really great! I copied the recipe into my recipe index box. I put from the kitchen of Beth online. Thanks for the great recipe! God bless!
Simple yet brilliant!
I made this recipe a few days ago and boy wasn’t it yummy. I definitely plan on making this over and over again.
I made these drumstick recipe last night and it was awesome. I very rarely eat drumsticks but they were delicious.thank you for the recipe.
I cooked this for dinner last night. It was awesome. I don’t eat drumsticks that often but I ate 3 drumsticks and I couldn’t believe how good they tasted.
Thank you for the recipe.
Skinless or skin on ? Bit of an amatuer, but I would like to do this. Thank you.
Skin on — that way it will get nice and crispy in the oven! ~ Marion :)
This must have tasted so delicious. Thank you for sharing this information with everyone
I’ve made these twice. The first time following the recipe as printed. This time I decided to go for teriyaki so I soaked the drumsticks in teriyaki sauce and cola for 24 hours then finished with garlic, onion and sweet paprika. Two kids ate 18 drumsticks and a pile of mushroom risotto lol Quite yummy.
I made this for our super bowl snack, trippled the recipe for 20 drumsticks…nothing but bones left.
Easy recipe. We have enjoyed swapping in different seasoning blends.
I am trying this recipe for the first time. It is very simple to follow and doesn’t have to cook for long. So it’s a great recipe if you don’t like to spend much time in the kitchen like me. Going to look for other side dish recipes that will compliment this dish.
Ez thanks
My family enjoyed this. I made it with chicken wings and fried it in an electric skillet with a little avocado oil. Amazing taste!
Great recipe. Will make it again.
Looooveeee it!!! amazing will be Cooking it more often! must try
Hi Beth,
I made these in the oven earlier (they smelled amazing) but will reheat them for dinner. What is the best way you’d recommend to reheat them?
Pop them back in the oven for a few minutes! XOXO -Monti
Super good! I love chicken drumsticks because they are always so cheap. These were full of flavor, easy to throw together and made for great lunch leftovers!
I had some drumsticks and thighs in the freezer that needed to be used, so I put them both in a 13 x 9 FROZEN and they came out perfectly. They required a bit more baking time, naturally, but this was fast, easy, and delicious. A definite keeper.
were your thighs bone-in or boneless? I guess it probably wouldn’t matter…
Super Simple. Could not get easier, really – wish I had tried this sooner. Very easy dinner for my son who loves chicken legs.
Bingo – just what was needed: an easy, delicious and affordable family pleaser. Good organic chicken drumsticks cost less than regular chicken breasts, and are much nicer meat. Saved the bones to make broth! I couldn’t find my smoked paprika, so added about 1 tsp liquid smoke to a 4 x recipe, and substituted 3 x the scaled up amount of Korean chili powder (milder and more flavourful) for the cayenne. Nom! Putting these on regular rotation.
Mmm these would go great with pretty much everything. Everyone needs a staple recipe like this!
It Looks so Moist! Definitely gonna try it…
So yummy and easy. I used regular paprika (what I had) and left out the cayenne as my husband is sensitive to spice. I also crushed up a handful of panko and sprinkled that on for crunch. A winner!
These turned out great! Part of our regular rotation now.
What brand smoked paprika do you use?
Made for first time and they were perfect crispy on the outside and juicy and tender inside. I usually do chicken wings every month so will add these now as well
I loved this recipe I added a bit of orange juice and lemon 🍋.
Perfect every time! I’ve made this several times and I’m always amazed at how juicy and tender the chicken is. Soooo good and so easy!!
So easy and so delicious!!! A keeper, especially for busy families. Could probably do this once a week with switching up spices and sides.
What can I use to replace the onion powder? Thank you
I don’t think I would substitute it with anything.
I love this recipe. I’ve been making this at least once a month for about a year now. Only difference is I cook them in a cast iron pan. Love all your recipes I’ve tried.
Had all the ingredients on hand. I love when I can get dinner together in no time. Air fried chicken legs 400° for 25 minutes. Yum.
Did you flip them in the middle of the process?
Delish and simple! Right up my alley. Thank you!
First time commenting, so I just want to say thank you for all the great recipes! This one was definitely a keeper. Chicken was perfectly cooked. So quick and easy and very budget-friendly. Great for a fast weeknight dinner. Served with roasted potatoes (which conveniently cook for the same length of time and at the same temp) and a salad.
Love love this easy and delicious recipe
These were a super easy, cheap, and delicious dinner, and the leftovers were great too! I made the cheesy broccoli rice as was recommended and it was a filling and delicious meal. I’ll definitely be making this again!
So easy! Took me less time to prep than it took the oven to heat up. Only thing I would change next time would be to up the cayenne to 1/4 tsp for more kick. I also always rinse and pat dry chicken.
I followed your recipe to a T and it came out wonderful according to my husband. He said it was very flavorful, very juicy, and that he looks forward to leftovers!
I know I’ll definitely be making this again for him as it’s so darn easy and not at all stressful to throw this together no matter what time you start dinner. As a side note, I’d like to mention that I’m a vegan (and have several food allergies) and I very much enjoy subscribing to your blog — I like the stories you tell, the suggestions you provide for additional dishes to round out the meal, and the “budget” theme of your site. And another side note, I lost my bookmarks :( and was wondering if you could please share the link for your humongous list of recipes that use pantry staples — you shared this post probably sometime late spring/early summer last year. Thank you.
Sure thing! Here’s the link to 200+ Recipe Ideas for Pantry Staple Ingredients. :)
thank you!
This is an excellent recipe for when you end up at the grocery store without a plan (which was how my afternoon unfolded). I had the spices at home and all I needed was the chicken, broccoli and cheddar (I took up your rice and broccoli suggestion). We are a family of 4 (nearly all adults) so I bought a larger pack of chicken and used 8 drumsticks (and froze another 4 four later). I increased the spices by 50% of the recipe to account for more bird. We personally enjoyed it on its own, but I could see how having a tangy sauce on the side would be a bonus. But that’s like next level meal prep instead of just-getting-through-the-day survival mode. This categorizes as one of your satisfying mid-week gems that don’t demand much time and concentration.
I’m so glad you felt the same way about this recipe! It’s just such an easy staple recipe to keep tucked away in your back pocket. :)