Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re anything like me, weeknight dinners call for something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious. That’s exactly why this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe remains a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple to throw together, packs a punch of flavor, and gives you that crispy-skin goodness without the hassle of frying. You’ll love how these drumsticks turn out juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside every time.

What makes this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe special is its balance of spices — just a little smoky paprika with oregano and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Plus, baking instead of frying means less mess and a healthier meal you can feel good about. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one really shines when you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of flavor and comforting, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe works together to build layers of flavor without overpowering the chicken itself. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one plays an important role.

• Chicken drumsticks: The star of the show—meaty, budget-friendly, and perfect for baking with skin-on for crispiness.
• Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Onion powder: Adds a mellow savory depth without any chopping.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that pairs amazingly well with baked chicken.
• Dried oregano: Offers a little herbal brightness to the seasoning mix.
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness that helps caramelize the skin for that golden finish.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned throughout.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a little kick to balance the sweetness and herbs.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is. Sometimes I tweak the spices or add extras based on what we’re in the mood for or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

• Spicy kick: I often add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder when I want a little heat – it gives the drumsticks a nice smoky-spicy edge that everyone here loves.
• Herb swap: Sometimes I swap oregano for thyme or rosemary, which gives each batch a fresh twist.
• BBQ flavor: Mixing in some smoked paprika with a spoonful of BBQ sauce before baking creates a sticky, tangy glaze that’s fantastic for cookouts.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no changes necessary there—just double-check your spices if you buy blends as some can sneak in gluten.
• Lower sodium: You can easily reduce the salt and add more herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice after baking for brightness without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a high 425°F (220°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper—it’s a small step that saves me from scrubbing baked-on bits later. Plus, it helps the chicken skin crisp evenly.

Step 2: Coat the Drumsticks with Oil

Place your drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the oil. Toss them around gently using tongs to coat each piece. This step is key because it not only keeps the chicken skin moist but also helps the seasoning stick and promotes that irresistible golden color.

Step 3: Add the Seasoning Mix

Sprinkle over your onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), salt, and pepper. Toss again to coat every drumstick evenly. Don’t rush this part—thorough seasoning is what turns simple chicken into a flavor-packed meal.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Lay your drumsticks out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding them because good airflow means crispier skin and even cooking—not to mention less steaming. If you have a lot, use a second sheet. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer here because it takes the guesswork out and ensures juicy chicken every time.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Take the drumsticks out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes—it helps seal in those juices. Serve these beauties hot with your favorite sides, and watch everyone dig in enthusiastically!

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the drumsticks for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the whole dish and balances the savory spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Some of my go-to sides to pair with this Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe are crispy roasted potatoes, garlic butter rice, or a vibrant mixed green salad. Occasionally, I roast some seasonal veggies alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal that’s easy and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I like to arrange the drumsticks in a rustic wooden bowl lined with parchment and scatter lemon wedges around. On special occasions, serving them on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by colorful side dishes really impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After we’ve enjoyed dinner, any leftover drumsticks go straight into an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep well for up to 5 days, making quick lunches or second dinners a breeze.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked drumsticks before, and they thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing in a sealed container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They last up to 3 months frozen without losing that great flavor.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, I pop leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes to get that crispy skin back. If you don’t have an air fryer, warming them in the oven for 10 minutes works well too. Microwaving is quick but makes the skin a bit soggy—so I save that for when I’m really in a rush.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is one of those dependable crowd-pleasers that’s gotten me through many busy nights. I love how straightforward it is—the kind of recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or techniques but delivers amazing results. Trust me, once you try these crispy, flavorful drumsticks, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. So go ahead, give it a try and let it become one of your kitchen favorites, just like it is for me!

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