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Deliciously Baked Chicken Drumsticks made with a simple dry rub. Crispy, juicy and tender, this is the perfect easy dinner for those busy weeknights!
Like many of you, I struggle constantly with what to make for dinner! It can be such a chore, especially on a busy weeknight. Enter my Baked Chicken Drumsticks! These drumsticks are so easy to put together with a simplistic dry rub packed full of flavor!
Why Make These Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Easy Prep – only 5 minutes
- Perfect for any night of the week
- Simple ingredient list, items already in your pantry
- Foolproof recipe, super easy to make
- Flavorful and delicious
Staple spices, chicken and olive oil are all you’re going to need for this recipe! It couldn’t get any easier, with minimal prep and very little cleanup, this chicken dish is what dinner dreams are made of!
Baked, Not Fried
Don’t get me wrong, I love fried chicken, but baking it, is so much healthier! You can still achieve delicious flavor and texture, I’m talking crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside, by using your oven! This is one of my favorite recipes because of how easy it is to throw together, but the outcome of the dish will make it seem like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – Of course we are using chicken drumsticks, bone in with skin on for lots of flavor! Feel free to substitute thighs if that’s what you have on hand.
- Olive Oil – Substitute sunflower, safflower or avocado oil.
Dry rub
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Poultry Seasoning
- Brown Sugar
- Salt & Pepper
How To Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Coat Chicken: Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. Arrange the drumsticks in a 9×13″ baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and use your hands to mix them around and coat each one evenly with the oil.
- Dry Rub Time: Whisk the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle the dry up over the drumsticks on each side.
- Bake & Serve: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Some Tips
- Do not skip patting dry the drumsticks, this will result in crispier skin.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It’s the best way to make sure the drumsticks are cooked through. Chicken drumsticks are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but personally I like mine a little more done, more like 185°F.
- Experiment with your favorite spices, don’t be shy.
How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks
The safest way to check if your drumsticks are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer, never go by time alone, however here are some estimates.
| 350°F (175°C) | About 45-50 minutes |
| 375°F (190°C) | About 40 to 45 minutes |
| 400°F (205°C) | About 35 to 40 minutes |
| 425°F (218°C) | About 35 minutes |
What To Serve With Chicken Drumsticks
This is one of the easiest mains to pair with a side, because they practically go with anything! Serve your chicken drumsticks with your favorite starch like rice, potatoes, whether it be mashed, baked or roasted. Add some vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts, and for a healthier meal, opt for a side salad! Possibilities are endless with this dish!
Storing leftovers
Let your chicken drumsticks properly cool before storing them in an airtight container. Your leftover chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge!
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing
Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and allow to freeze till frozen through, then place the drumsticks in a freezer bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the fridge over night when ready to eat. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F degrees till warmed through and enjoy!
More Great Recipes To Try
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 2 ½ – 3 pounds chicken drumsticks about 8 drumsticks
- ¼ cup olive oil
Dry rub
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Coat Chicken: Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. Arrange the drumsticks in a 9×13" baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and use your hands to mix them around and coat each one evenly with the oil.
- Dry Rub Time: Whisk the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle the dry up over the drumsticks on each side.
- Bake & Serve: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Notes:
- Do not skip patting dry the drumsticks, this will result in crispier skin.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It’s the best way to make sure the drumsticks are cooked through. Chicken drumsticks are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but personally I like mine a little more done, more like 185°F.
- Experiment with your favorite spices, don’t be shy.
- Let your chicken drumsticks properly cool before storing them in an airtight container. Your leftover chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge!
- To freeze, place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and allow to freeze till frozen through, then place the drumsticks in a freezer bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer for 4-6 months.
