Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown, irresistibly crispy chicken drumstick that's packed with flavor and juiciness - without the mess of deep frying! This American-style baked chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, these drumsticks promise restaurant-quality results right from your own oven, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken drumsticks.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for better flavor.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching each other. This helps them cook evenly.
- Once the oven has preheated, place the baking sheet with the drumsticks in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- After baking, remove the chicken drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the crispy baked chicken drumsticks hot, with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - space drumsticks evenly for even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture
- Experiment with different spice combinations to customize your flavor profile
- For extra crispy skin, you can briefly broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
