Description
Juicy oven baked chicken drumsticks promise a delightful meal with crispy golden skin and tender meat. Seasoned with herbs and spices, these drumsticks deliver maximum flavor without complicated preparation, letting you enjoy a simple yet mouthwatering dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds/1 kilogram)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
Fat and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 400F (200C). Create an elevated cooking surface by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil and positioning a wire rack on top to guarantee maximum crispiness for the chicken.
- Thoroughly desiccate the chicken drumsticks using paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to promote a perfectly crisp exterior. Transfer the cleaned drumsticks into a spacious mixing vessel.
- Lavish the drumsticks with a delicate drizzle of olive oil, ensuring complete coverage. Craft a dynamic seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder in a separate container. Meticulously distribute the aromatic spice mixture over the drumsticks, gently massaging to achieve uniform coating.
- Strategically position the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, maintaining separation between pieces to encourage even heat circulation. Slide the prepared tray into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35-40 minutes. Midway through cooking, delicately rotate the drumsticks to promote consistent golden-brown coloration and ensure internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C).
- Once cooked, extract the drumsticks from the oven and allow a brief resting period of 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with vibrant lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Moisture is key for tender chicken, so pat drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- Mix spices thoroughly in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor penetration across all chicken pieces.
- Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the drumsticks, preventing soggy bottoms and promoting uniform golden-brown crispiness.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking, which maintains juiciness and prevents dryness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg