Description

This Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin achieved through a simple seasoning blend and high-heat baking. Perfect for an effortless weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

2 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 10-12 pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available to promote even air circulation.
Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin during baking.
Coat with Oil: In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they are evenly coated.
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create the seasoning blend.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
Arrange on Rack: Place the seasoned drumsticks spaced apart on the prepared wire rack or directly on the baking sheet if you don’t have a rack, ensuring airflow and even cooking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking for uniform browning.
Rest: Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Enjoy: Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces, sides, or fresh salads.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is key to maximum crispiness.
Using a wire rack helps the heat circulate and crisps the skin better.
The cayenne pepper is optional; omit if you prefer less heat.
Internal temperature should always reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
You can marinate the drumsticks with the seasoning and oil for a few hours ahead for more intense flavor.