Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Posted ByPrecious

4.50 from 2 votes

Published Apr 01, 2020

Updated Jul 19, 2024

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The best flavor-packed Baked Chicken Drumsticks you will ever make! Great for an easy dinner as you only need 10 minutes of prep time to make these juicy and tasty drumsticks!

Baked Chicken Drumsticks on a serving platter.

You guys already know how much I love easy dinners! So baked chicken drumsticks happen quite often in my home.

All you need is 10 minutes of prep time! Then the chicken goes into the oven so the oven can do its work, cooking the chicken to be nice and golden brown on the outside.

While the oven does its work, you can make a side dish to go with the chicken. Make some Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables, 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese, or some Garlic Herb Rice to go with the chicken.

Love chicken drumsticks? Also check out these Chicken Drumsticks Lollipops andOne Pan Chicken and Potatoes and Veggies.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Chicken Drumstick recipe is one that you should have on repeat in your home for several reasons:

Hand holding a golden baked chicken drumstick.
  • It is mouthwatering! The chicken is garlicky, slightly herby, juicy, so tasty, and can be paired with so many sides!
  • It is affordable! Chicken drumsticks are quite affordable even when you get the organic ones. I love to stock up on them because they make a really easy and tasty dinner!
  • It is easy to make! Did I already mention it only requires 10 minutes of prep time? perfect for busy moms like me. With this recipe, you can still get dinner on the table on busy nights.
  • It pairs with many side dishes! The paring possibilities are endless with Baked Chicken Drumsticks. From vegetable sides to carby delights, these tasty chicken legs go with a lot of side dishes.
Chicken drumsticks, rice and lettuce on a plate.

What Can You Season Chicken With?

Dried spices and herbs are great for seasoning chicken. They impart great flavor and are easy to use since you do not have to prep them first.

Check the recipe card below for exact measurements of all the ingredients used.

For tasty Baked Chicken Drumsticks, season the chicken with:

  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • ginger powder
  • dried basil
  • red pepper flakes
  • chicken bouillon powder
  • salt and pepper

Also, add some olive oil or any flavorless oil because the oil adds more flavor, promotes even browning, and keeps the chicken moist.

Chicken bouillon powder takes the flavor of chicken up a notch so I always use some when seasoning chicken.

How To Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

You can bake chicken drumsticks in 4 easy steps:

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Add the seasonings and oil. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken drumsticks.
  3. Place the chicken on a prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake until thoroughly cooked through.
Seasoned chicken on a baking sheet.
Baked drumsticks on baking sheet.

Seasoning Variations

If you do not have to use my exact seasoning blend, use the spices and herbs you have on hand for your drumsticks.

Some herbs that go well with chicken are parsley, rosemary and thyme. So feel free to throw them in if you have them. Other spices that go well with chicken are onion powder, ground cumin, and paprika.

Other options for seasoning baked chicken drumsticks are wet marinades. Two of my favorite wet marinades are:

  • Green seasoning: This blend of fresh herbs and spices makes any meat or fish taste so good!
  • Jerk marinade: This Jamaican jerk marinade is loaded with flavor and goes so well with chicken.

How Long Does it Take for Drumsticks to Cook in the Oven?

Chicken drumsticks cook in the oven for about 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, while avoiding touching the bone. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken to be considered done.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, no worries. Just ensure that you cook your drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for up to 45 minutes and it will be well done.

To be sure the chicken is done, cut a drumstick with a knife. If the juices run clear then the chicken is done.

Oven baked chicken drumsticks or legs on a serving platter.

Experts Tips for Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks

  • For the best flavor, let the chicken drumsticks marinate in the herbs and spices covered for 2-8 hours in the fridge before you bake them.
  • Line your baking sheet with foil paper and brush the foil paper with oil before placing the chicken on it. That way, you can remove the foil and discard when done and you can easily clean up the baking sheet.
  • Instead of foil, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and skip brushing with oil as parchment paper doesn’t stick.
  • Adding oil to the marinade adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
  • If want the skin of the chicken drumsticks crispier, place them under the broiler for about 2 minutes after they are done. Watch them carefully so they do not burn.

If you love your chicken more on the grilled side, try my Perfect Grilled Chicken. Also, check out my recipes for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs and Baked Chicken Leg Quarters.

Serving Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Serve these Baked Chicken Drumsticks with the following sides:

Recipe FAQs

Is it better to bake drumsticks at 350 or at 400?

Bake drumsticks at 400°F to get a beautiful golden color on the outside and also to let the chicken cook quicker than it will at 350°F. Baking at 400°F also results in crispier skin.

How long does it take for drumsticks to cook in the oven?

It takes about 40-50 minutes for drumsticks to cook in the oven at 400°F. If your drumsticks are smaller, they might take less time to cook.

Do you need to flip drumsticks when baking?

You could flip drumsticks halfway through baking for even browning but this is not always a necessary step. If you are going for crispy skin, be sure to flip your drumsticks halfway through cooking.

More Chicken Recipes

If you make this recipe please leave a star rating below. Your rating helps others find the recipe plus I love hearing from you! Thank you!

Baked Chicken Drumsticks on a serving platter

Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes
The best flavor-packed Baked Chicken Drumsticks you will ever make! Great for an easy dinner as you only need 10 mins of prep time. Serve it with a vegetable and starchy side of choice and you have a complete meal!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 18 chicken drumsticks 5 pounds
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil canola, vegetable, corn or peanut oil would work
  • More oil for brushing baking pan about 1 tablespoon

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush oil over the aluminum foil. (This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the foil.) If using parchment paper, no need to brush with oil,
  • Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and pat dry with paper towels. To the bowl of chicken drumsticks, add the garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt and olive oil.
  • Mix well so the ingredients evenly coat the chicken. Place on the baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
  • Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. For even browning, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of a drumstick not touching the bone. The thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken to be considered done.
  • Remove chicken from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any side dish of choice.

Notes

1. Omit the red pepper flakes if you are sensitive to spice.
2. If you want a smaller quantity of baked chicken drumsticks, use half of every ingredient in this recipe. I made a lot of drumsticks because I have a big family. (:
3. You can prep the chicken the night before. Marinate the chicken drumsticks and keep tightly covered in the fridge so you can easily bake them the next day.
4. For best flavor, let the chicken marinate covered for 2-8 hours in the fridge but you can also bake them right away. Most times, I place the seasonings on the chicken and bake immediately and it still tastes great.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 377mg | Potassium: 516mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 582
Tried this recipe?Mention @preciouscore or tag #PreciousCore!

About Precious

Welcome to my core! I am Precious Nkeih, the recipe developer and writer right here on my blog, Precious Core. My goal is to show you insanely delicious recipes you can replicate in your kitchen. And I love to tell stories too. Hope you find recipes here that will make cooking easier for you! Check me out on YouTube at YouTube.com/PreciousKitchen.

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8 Comments

  1. Love your easy breezy fun recipes. Tnx.cooking made easy in Precious core’s kitchen. I always say…..

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