Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves everyone disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken night into a mouthwatering feast with these incredibly easy and delicious baked chicken drumsticks! In just 50 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's so simple, even beginner cooks can master it. Imagine golden, crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends asking for your culinary secret.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken drumsticks from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each drumstick, ensuring complete coverage on all sides. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into the chicken skin.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow hot air circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Halfway through cooking, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning and cooking of the drumsticks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the drumsticks. This simple step is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd: Space your drumsticks slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Your Meat: Let the drumsticks rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to match your taste preferences. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 130mg
