🐔 Juicy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe | Quick & Easy

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Chicken Recipes, Recipes

Ever run home after work, needing to cook fast? Two years back, I found myself in this spot. I saw chicken drumsticks in the fridge and thought of a quick, tasty fix for dinner.

I found a recipe, my favorite now. It’s quick and pairs crispy, flavorful skin with the drumsticks. With only ten minutes to prep and ingredients like sea salt, black pepper, and more, it’s an easy win. It received glowing reviews, averaging 4.86 out of 5 from 62 home cooks.

This recipe easily serves 5-6 people. It’s great for family gatherings. The secret? Baking powder makes the skin extra crispy. Baking at 390°F for 30 minutes, then 430°F for 15 makes it quick and delish.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • The recipe earned a 4.86 out of 5 rating from 62 satisfied users.
  • Preparation time is only 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of 45 minutes.
  • Baking powder is essential for achieving crispy chicken skin.
  • Can serve 5-6 people, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
  • Uses common pantry staples for seasoning, ensuring a flavorful outcome.
  • Flexible with chicken wings and skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs as subs.

Introduction to Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a top pick for family meals and parties. They’re loved for their juicy meat and tasty flavors. Drumsticks are also easy on the wallet and simple to cook. Oven roasted chicken drumsticks are especially enjoyed. They offer a juicy inside and a crispy outside that’s a hit with everyone.

Why Choose Drumsticks?

Drumsticks are known for their bold flavor and tender bite. They’re a great value, offering lots of meat at a low cost. Cooking chicken drumsticks in the oven is easy. This makes them perfect for quick, tasty meals.

The Appeal of Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy chicken drumsticks are a favorite at any event. Baking them at 400°F for about 40 minutes ensures they’re juicy and safe to eat. They’re seasoned with kosher salt, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a tasty kick. They make great leftovers and last in the fridge for 3-4 days. This means they’re perfect for busy times.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

To make easy chicken drumsticks, you need key ingredients. This ensures your drumsticks are tasty and well-seasoned.

Main Ingredients

In this recipe, we use 12 chicken drumsticks as the main protein source. These drumsticks are around 1.75 lbs each. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 12 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons of plain/all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder (not soda, for a crispy skin)

Seasonings and Spices

The mix for this easy chicken drumsticks includes pantry staples. Together, they create a tasty flavor:

  • 3 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons of onion powder
  • 5 teaspoons of smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons of black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of cooking/kosher salt

This seasoning blend boosts the taste and leaves the drumsticks with a savory aroma.

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

To make tasty and crispy chicken drumsticks, follow these steps carefully. This ensures they are full of flavor and cooked just right.

Preparing the Chicken

First, get the chicken drumsticks ready. Dry each one with paper towels. This removes extra water and helps the skin get crispy when baked.

Mixing the Seasonings

Next, mix the seasonings in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and other spices. Mix well to make the seasoning blend.

Coating the Drumsticks

Pour the seasoning mix over the drumsticks in a bowl or bag. Rub the mix on the chicken. This makes sure all the drumsticks taste great.

When the drumsticks are evenly coated, put them on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 40 minutes. Make sure the chicken’s inside is 165°F. Let them sit a bit before you enjoy them.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Skin

Learning to make crispy skin chicken drumsticks can really lift your cooking game. These tips can help you get the perfect, crunchy skin.

crispy skin chicken drumsticks

Importance of Drying the Chicken

Our crispy baked chicken drumsticks guide starts with drying your chicken well. Wet chicken can’t get crispy, so use paper towels to soak up any moisture. This lays the groundwork for a crunchy bite.

Using Baking Powder for Extra Crispiness

Adding baking powder is a secret to getting extra crispy skin. It changes the skin’s pH level, which makes the proteins break down better. This makes the chicken extra crunchy. Remember to include baking powder in your spices for that special crunch.

This dry method and using baking powder are top picks among chefs and cooks. A recipe for 5 to 6 people scored a high 4.86 out of 5 from 62 reviews. These steps really work.

Nutritional Info Per Serving
Calories 395
Protein Content 33g
Fat Content 24g
Saturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 167mg
Sodium 893mg
Potassium 745mg
Iron 2mg

Best Cooking Methods for Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

To cook the most juicy and tender drumsticks, try different cooking ways. Each method has its benefits, making the chicken tasty no matter how you cook it.

Oven-Baking

Oven-baking leads to tender, juicy drumsticks with a crisp skin. Heat the oven to 425°F and cook the chicken for 40 to 45 minutes. Food goes well with it, like mac and cheese and roasted veggies. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.

Slow Cooking

If you like your drumsticks to be very tender, use a slow cooker. With this method, the flavors deeply soak into the meat, creating a rich dish. Cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours. Season with chili powder, onion powder, and oregano for more taste.

Grilling

Grilling gives a smoky barbeque taste that’s hard to resist. The chicken ends up juicy and with a nice char. Grill them for 35 to 40 minutes over medium-high heat. Season with smoked paprika. Cook until the meat is between 165°F to 185°F for the juiciest results.

Method Temperature/Setting Cooking Time Internal Temperature (°F) Key Seasonings
Oven-Baking 425°F 40-45 minutes 165°F (recommended 185-195°F) Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika
Slow Cooking Low 6-8 hours 165°F Chili powder, onion powder, dried oregano
Grilling Medium-High 35-40 minutes 165°F to 185°F Smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper

Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Variations

Adding new recipes for chicken drumsticks can really spice up this popular meal. BBQ and garlic parmesan recipes are favorites. They bring different tastes and textures to the table.

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Love smoky goodness? Try the BBQ chicken recipe. Start with 6 drumsticks, around 2 pounds. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a coating. Feel free to add more pepper flakes for heat.

Then, marinate them in a homemade BBQ sauce. This sauce is made with onions, peppers, and garlic. Bake them until they reach 170°F inside. This makes them both safe to eat and tasty.

BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

For an Italian taste, try the garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks. Start with the same 6 drumsticks. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 6 minced garlic cloves. Add 1.5 cups of dry white wine.

Then season with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and herbs like rosemary. Bake until they reach 170°F. This creates a flavorful, aromatic meal.

These recipes let you get creative and enjoy different flavors. Drumsticks stay juicy and full of flavor. This makes these recipes great for cooks of all levels.

Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Drumsticks

Pairing chicken drumsticks with the right sides can make your meal amazing. You can turn a simple dinner into something special. Choose from nutritious veggies to filling starches to find the best match for your drumsticks.

Vegetable Sides

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Maple syrup Dijon mustard carrots
  • Zucchini fritters
  • Fried green beans
  • Creamed spinach

Vegetable sides make your meal healthier and more colorful. They add to the taste and look of your chicken. These healthy choices are just right for pairing with your drumsticks.

Starchy Accompaniments

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Twice baked potato
  • Cheesy scalloped potatoes
  • Roasted baby potatoes
  • Hot honey roasted potatoes
  • Accordion potatoes
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Butter parmesan noodles
  • Brown butter mushroom noodles
  • Hasselback potatoes

Starchy sides feel good and fill you up. You might like creamy mashed potatoes or tasty butter noodles. These choices are perfect with your chicken drumsticks.

This quick guide compares cooking styles and the best sides to go with your chicken:

Cooking Method Examples Percentage
Roasting Roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted baby potatoes 20%
Sautéing Fried green beans, zucchini fritters 20%
Salad Prep Cucumber onion salad, spicy roasted chickpea salad 13.3%

You have lots of choices for your chicken drumsticks sides. From veggies to mac and cheese, there is something for every dinner. Your meal will be perfect with the right sides.

FAQs About Cooking Chicken Drumsticks

Do you have questions about cooking chicken drumsticks? You’re not alone. We answer the most asked FAQs about crispy baked chicken drumsticks here.

Q: What temperature should I cook chicken drumsticks at?

A: Cook the drumsticks at 400°F for about 40 minutes. Make sure they hit 165°F inside.

Q: How can I ensure my chicken drumsticks have crispy skin?

A: To get crispy skin, dry them off first. You can add baking powder for extra crisp.

crispy baked chicken drumsticks FAQs

Use salt, pepper, and other seasonings like garlic or paprika. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor.

Q: How should I store and reheat leftover chicken drumsticks?

A: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in a sealed container. Warm them gently in the microwave, or eat them cold.

Q: What nutritional information should I be aware of?

A: One serving (two drumsticks) has about 288 calories. Here’s the breakdown for each serving: Carbs: 1g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 17g, Sodium: 332mg, Fiber: 1g.

Q: Are there cost considerations for this recipe?

A: Yes, making this recipe fits any budget. It costs $3.94 total, or $0.66 per serving.

This recipe comes from Rachel Benight MS, RD. It ensures you get a healthy and tasty meal, especially with chicken drumsticks.

Oven Roasted Chicken Drumsticks: Detailed Guide

Temperature Guidelines

To cook perfect chicken drumsticks, knowing the best oven roasted chicken drumsticks temperature is key. For juicy meat and a crispy skin, start your oven at 425°F. It’s very important to hit 175°F inside the meat to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe.

Keeping to these temperatures makes sure your drumsticks are moist and taste great.

Cooking Time Tips

Getting the baked chicken drumsticks cooking time right is crucial too. At 400°F, drumsticks will need about 40 minutes to cook. Don’t cover them so the skin gets nice and brown.

Halfway through, move the drumsticks around for even cooking. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure they hit 175°F inside.

  • Preheat oven: 425°F
  • Cooking time: Approximately 40 minutes at 400°F
  • Internal temperature: 175°F

This guide makes finding the right oven roasted chicken drumsticks temperature and cooking time easy. It also gives tips for both beginners and experts to make sure their drumsticks are tender and well-cooked.

Parameter Details
Oven Temperature 400°F – 425°F
Cooking Time Approximately 40 minutes
Internal Temperature 175°F
Calories per Serving 288 kcal
Storage 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge

Flavorful Seasoning Blends

Seasoning blends play a huge role in making your chicken drumsticks perfect. The smoky paprika blend and zesty lemon pepper duo are top choices. They offer flavors that really make your chicken stand out.

chicken drumsticks seasoning blends

Smoky Paprika Blend

Use the smoky paprika blend for a rich, smoky taste in your chicken drumsticks. It gives them a nice red color too. This blend has smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

Smoked paprika’s sweet and smoky taste, combined with garlic and onion, is perfect for your drumsticks. It adds great flavor that your guests will love, at only $0.66 per serving.

Lemon Pepper Duo

Looking for a fresh, citrusy flavor? Then, the lemon zest and black pepper mix is what you need. It gives your drumsticks a fresh kick.

This combo of lemon and sharp pepper is perfect for those who love bold flavors. With other spices like salt, parsley, and mustard, it turns your drumsticks into culinary treats.

These blends are simple to use and really elevate your drumsticks. Whether you choose smoky paprika or lively lemon pepper, your drumsticks will be a hit. With high ratings, you can trust these blends to make your meals shine.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Drumsticks

Keeping cooked chicken drumsticks fresh and tasty is key. Leftover drumsticks should go in the fridge in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for 3-4 days this way, keeping their juicy texture and taste.

Freeze them for up to 3-4 months to keep the quality, but you can freeze raw ones for 9-12 months. This is great for preparing meals ahead of time.

Reheating drumsticks in the oven is best for crispy results. Preheat to 350°F and cover drumsticks for 15 minutes, then uncover and cook 5 more minutes. This keeps the skin crispy and the inside juicy.

Using the microwave is faster but can make the skin softer. Reheat boneless, skinless ones for 2 minutes first, then at 30-second bursts until they hit 165°F inside. For bone-in and skin-on drumsticks, use the oven. Cook them for 20-25 minutes at 350°F. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to get a crispy skin.

Stovetop cooking is another option. Add water to cover the skillet bottom. Cook until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually around 6 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t dry out.

Method Temperature Time Result
Oven 350°F 15 mins covered + 5 mins uncovered Crispy Skin
Microwave N/A 2 mins, then 30-second intervals Softer Skin
Stovetop N/A 6 mins approx. Potential Drying Out if Overcooked

By following these steps, you can store and reheat chicken drumsticks to taste as good as fresh.

Benefits of Including Chicken Drumsticks in Your Diet

Eating chicken drumsticks is great for your health. They are full of protein, which is needed for muscles. This protein is good if you do strength exercises. Many Americans eat a lot of chicken each year. It’s an important way to get protein.

Chicken drumsticks are packed with vitamins and minerals, too. Just one drumstick has a lot of selenium and vitamin B-12. Selenium is good for your bones and your thyroid. Vitamin B-12 helps your brain stay sharp and might even protect against Alzheimer’s.

These drumsticks also have a lot of phosphorus. Phosphorus is needed for strong bones and to make energy. And even though they’re low in calories, drumsticks have plenty of nutrients. They have fewer calories than skinless chicken thighs.

Let’s look at how various chicken cuts compare:

Chicken Cut Calories Fat (g) Protein (g) Selenium (mcg) Niacin (mg)
Roasted Chicken Drumstick (71g) with Skin 146 8.2 18.2 18.2 4.2
Roasted Chicken Wing (85g) with Skin 216 14.4 20.2 21.7 5.4
Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breast (100g) 158 3.24 32.1 34.3 1.58

Knowing how nutritious drumsticks are helps you make good food choices. Include them in healthy and tasty meals. Enjoy the benefits they offer.

Cooking Chicken Drumsticks for Different Occasions

Chicken drumsticks are versatile and perfect for many events. They are loved for dinners at home and parties. This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, like salt and pepper, letting you make a tasty dish with ease.

Family Dinners

For family dinners, chicken drumsticks are a great main course. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Choose your favorite seasoning, be it Italian, lemon pepper, or Cajun. Bake them for 35-45 minutes, ensuring they reach 165°F inside. Serve with sides or sauces of your choice.

This dish is easy, needing just 10 minutes of prep. It’s great for weekdays when time is short. Leftovers last 3-4 days in the fridge, meaning easy meals for a few days.

Party Appetizers

Chicken drumsticks can also shine as party appetizers. Make them bite-sized and add bold flavors. Baking them to 170°F makes them juicy and irresistible. Their crispy skin and deep flavor will impress your guests.

Pair them with different sauces and sides. Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning for a crisp skin. Use a thermometer for perfect cooking. You can even freeze leftovers for months ahead, saving time for later events.

This recipe, from March 30, 2024, has quickly become a hit on Wholesome Yum. Each serving has around 248 calories, making it a healthy and tasty option. Whether it’s for family dinners or party appetizers, chicken drumsticks are a great choice.

FAQ

What is the best temperature to bake chicken drumsticks?

For the crispiest drumsticks, bake them at 425°F (220°C). This temp makes the outside crunchy while the inside stays juicy.

How do I ensure my chicken drumsticks have a crispy skin?

To get that crispy skin, first dry the drumsticks well with paper towels. Also, use a blend that has baking powder to make them crispier.

How long should I bake chicken drumsticks in the oven?

Bake drumsticks for 35-45 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Halfway through, flip them over to cook them evenly. They’re done when the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I cook chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can slow cook drumsticks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. To make them crispy, broil after slow cooking.

What seasonings can I use for chicken drumsticks?

Season drumsticks with things like sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix it up with different blends like a paprika mix or a lemon pepper duo.

How do I store leftover chicken drumsticks?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To store longer, up to 3 months, freeze them. Make sure they’re cold before storing.

How can I reheat chicken drumsticks to keep them crispy?

To keep them crunchy, reheat drumsticks in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving will make the skin soft, so avoid it.

What side dishes pair well with chicken drumsticks?

A variety of sides go great with drumsticks, like air-fried broccoli and macaroni and cheese. This adds flavor and makes a full meal.

Can I grill chicken drumsticks?

Grilling drumsticks provides a tasty BBQ flavor. Grill for 25-30 minutes, turning them, until they’re 165°F (74°C) inside.

Are chicken drumsticks healthy?

Drumsticks offer protein and important nutrients, making them a healthy choice. It’s best to bake or grill them to lower the fat.

What are some variations of the basic chicken drumsticks recipe?

Try BBQ chicken or garlic parmesan drumsticks for new flavors. Exploring with various seasonings and sauces can bring tasty outcomes.