Oh yes 😏 chicken drumsticks—super versatile, juicy, and crispy if done right. Here’s a breakdown with a foolproof recipe:
🍗 Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Crispy & Juicy)
Ingredients (4 servings, ~8 drumsticks)
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne for heat
Instructions
- Prep drumsticks
Pat chicken dry with paper towels (helps skin get crispy). - Season
Toss drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using. - Bake
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Arrange drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake 35–40 min, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden. - Optional broil
For extra crispiness, broil 2–3 minutes at the end. - Serve
Hot, with your choice of sides, sauces, or dips. BBQ sauce or honey mustard pairs perfectly.
Pro Tips
- Marinate 1–2 hours in buttermilk, garlic, and spices for extra tenderness.
- Air fryer version: 20–25 min at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway. Skin comes out super crispy.
- Flavor variations:
- Lemon-garlic & herbs
- Honey-Sriracha glaze
- Teriyaki or soy-ginger
If you want, I can give a slow-cooker version, sticky BBQ glaze, or oven-baked spicy version that’s finger-licking good 😏.
Do you want one of those versions?
