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?”
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.
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Notes
Nutrition
Video
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)
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
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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.