These Baked Chicken Drumsticks are the ideal dinner for a busy weeknight. Marinate some inexpensive chicken legs in a little oil and everyday spices, then bake them in a hot oven until they have crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that just starts to fall apart. They're sure to be a new family favorite!
If you're trying to eat well on a budget, add Drumsticks to your grocery list. They're an ideal source of protein for busy families since they are typically inexpensive, cook quickly, and have the most delicious dark meat. As they bake in the oven, the marinated spices bake into every bite, ensuring every taste is tender and full of flavor. This recipe is the perfect reminder that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated, and your whole family will enjoy eating this easy Chicken recipe any night of the week.
Why You'll Love These Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- So simple. Absolutely anyone can make these oven-baked chicken drumsticks. You don't need special skills or fancy equipment, just a few simple ingredients and some standard kitchen tools.
- Perfect for meal prep. Since the chicken needs to marinate, either prep them the night before or the morning of, then bake them right before dinner while you're preparing your sides. No last-minute thawing or hunting through the pantry!
- Affordable. Drumsticks tend to be one of the cheapest cuts at the store, making them perfect for a large family or people trying to eat well on a budget.
- So much flavor. Since drumsticks are higher in fat, they tend to absorb flavor much better than lean chicken breasts. They really just need a little seasoning to make them really flavorful!
Ingredient Notes
To make these delicious oven baked Chicken Drumsticks, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- chicken drumsticks - keep it simple and choose bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks.
- avocado oil - the oil will seep into the chicken, infusing the seasoning mix into every bite. You can also use extra virgin olive oil.
- spices - assemble your own dry rub from paprika, allspice powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
You will also need a Ziploc bag or bowl, 9x13-inch casserole pan or baking sheet with parchment paper, and a meat thermometer.
How to Make the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Marinate the chicken. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry. Place the drumsticks into a large Ziploc bag or bowl. Add the oil and all the seasoning including paprika, allspice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the seasoning around the chicken drumsticks to coat evenly. Let the drumsticks marinate for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
- Bake. Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on a 9x13-inch casserole pan or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 400 F preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F, as read on a meat thermometer.
- Broil (optional). Optionally, turn on broiler on HI and cook for another 5 minutes until nicely charred. Keep a close eye on the drumsticks to make sure they don’t burn as things can burn quickly under the broiler.
- Serve. Brush the drumsticks with pan juices, if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Use a different cut. Adapt this chicken leg recipe and use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breast instead. Thighs will take a little longer and the breast will cook faster, so be sure to use your thermometer to check for doneness.
- Try the air fryer. Too busy to bake? Turn on the air fryer and make air fryer chicken drumsticks by following the guidelines for our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
- Adjust the seasonings. If you prefer a different balance of flavors, you can easily adjust the rub mixture to suit your preferences. Try adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, a little brown sugar, or your favorite all purpose seasoning blends.
- Make it citrusy. Lemon and chicken are a perfect match. Feel free to add ¼ cup of lemon juice to the marinate for extra tanginess.
How to Serve
These easy oven baked drumsticks are delicious served on their own, or paired with some of my favorite side dishes including:
- The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Green Beans Almondine
- Pesto Asparagus
- One Pot Rice Pilaf with Carrots
For more recipe inspiration, see our 25 Side Dishes for Chicken.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the baking time. Depending on the size of the drumsticks, you may need to extend or reduce the cooking time. Use your instant-read thermometer as a guide; chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Preheat your oven. For crispier skin, preheat your oven to 400 F for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Don't rush the marinade. Even if you're busy, let the chicken drumsticks marinate for at least an hour for the best flavor. You could skip the marinating part but then the flavor will not infuse into the chicken meat as well.
- Make extra. Since these easy oven-baked drumsticks taste great the next day, you can easily double the recipe and enjoy leftovers later in the week.
- Broil. For really crispy baked chicken drumsticks, broil them for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Place your leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for approximately 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Although you can microwave your juicy chicken legs for a quick meal, they'll taste better and have crispier skin if you bake them again. Reheat in a 375F preheated oven for 5-10 minutes or set your air fryer to 375 and bake them for 3-5 minutes or until they are fully reheated.
How to Freeze
Store your leftover baked chicken legs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for several months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
We prefer to bake chicken drumsticks at 400 to lock in the moisture and create a crispy skin. Although you can bake this easy chicken leg recipe at 350 degrees and still have a delicious meal, you're much more likely to have softer skin that won't crunch when you bite through it. That golden brown, perfectly seasoned, crispy skin is the best part!
Raw chicken legs usually bake within 40-45 minutes, although the cooking time depends on the size of the legs. It's best to use an internal thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked instead of watching the time. Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before you remove it from the oven.
There are differing opinions on this question, but if you like crispy skin, it's so important to leave your chicken legs uncovered. Otherwise, the aluminum will hold in the excess moisture and cause the skin to soften instead of crisping up. The chicken will still taste great, but the texture won't be quite as enjoyable. For the best results (and the crispiest chicken skin), bake your favorite chicken drumstick recipes uncovered and at a high heat.
More Chicken Recipes
- 60 Best Chicken Recipes
- Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Curried Chicken Drumsticks
- Skillet Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Turkey Thighs
- Apple Dijon Braised Chicken Thighs
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Recipe
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 drumsticks
- Diet: Gluten Free
