Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these baked chicken drumsticks are an easy, family-friendly meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2½–3 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Season the Chicken
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and lemon juice.
- Toss the drumsticks until evenly coated.
3. Bake
- Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden brown.
4. Optional Crispy Finish
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice and beans
- Steamed vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
Chef’s Tip
For even more flavor, marinate the seasoned drumsticks for 2–4 hours (or overnight) before baking. This helps the spices penetrate the meat, making every bite extra juicy and delicious.
