Baked Chicken Drumsticks

published Jul 17, 2023
A white platter of baked chicken drumsticks on a light blue surface.
Credit: Photo: Vicky Wasik. Food Styling: James Park.

Baked chicken drumsticks with an all-purpose seasoning blend come in handy for busy weeknight dinners.

Serves4 to 6

Prep5 minutes

Cook30 minutes

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A white platter of baked chicken drumsticks on a light blue surface.
Credit: Photo: Vicky Wasik. Food Styling: James Park.

Are you tired of serving chicken breasts? Enter: chicken drumsticks. Because they’re bone-in, they bake up nice and juicy in just 30 minutes. This recipe for easy, baked chicken drumsticks includes an all-purpose spice rub that will complement any of your favorite sauces and side dishes. 

What Is the Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Drumsticks?

For juicy, flavorful chicken with golden skin, it is best to bake chicken drumsticks at 400°F. At this high temperature, the chicken will be done in about 30 minutes.

Other Ways to Season Baked Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe opts for an all-purpose seasoning blend, but there are countless other ways to add flavor to chicken drumsticks. 

Here are a few of our favorites.

Credit: Photo: Vicky Wasik. Food Styling: James Park.

The Best Dipping Sauces to Serve with Baked Chicken Drumsticks

The fun part about serving baked drumsticks is eating with your hands. Serve the drumsticks with sauce, so that everyone can swipe the sides of their drumsticks with dip before digging in. Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce that complements the seasoning blend you used. 

Credit: Photo: Vicky Wasik. Food styling: James Park

The Best Sides to Serve with Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked chicken drumsticks are a simple and quick main dish that you can serve any night of the week. Fill your plate with sides that are equally as easy to prepare, like green beans almondine, broccoli slaw, or a bagged salad kit. You can also add a scoop of loaded potato salad or classic bow tie pasta salad on the side. 

Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Baked chicken drumsticks with an all-purpose seasoning blend come in handy for busy weeknight dinners.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons

    onion powder

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons

    kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon

    paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    dry mustard powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 8

    chicken drumsticks (2 1/2 to 3 pounds total)

Instructions

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  1. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper a in a large zip-top bag or large bowl and stir to combine.

  2. Pat 8 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place in the spice mixture and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. If baking immediately, let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes while you heat the oven. Otherwise, cover or seal the bag and refrigerate up to overnight.

  3. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then fit it with a wire rack. If the chicken has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature while the oven is heating.

  4. Place the chicken skin-side up on the wire rack. Roast until the chicken is browned, crisp, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick not touching the bone registers at least 165°F, about 30 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The spice mixture can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The chicken can be seasoned and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Let sit at room temperature while the oven heats.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.