By Gary 
Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
When you’re in the mood for a simple yet delicious family meal, baked chicken drumsticks are always a surefire hit. With a crispy exterior and juicy meat, these drumsticks make for a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a family of 5. Here’s how you can create this dish in your very own kitchen.
This recipe feeds a family of 5.
Ingredients
For a meal that feeds a family of 5, you will need:
Seasoning Mix:
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Chicken:
– 3.5 lbs chicken drumsticks (approximately 12 pieces)
Additional:
– 4 tablespoons cooking oil (use a high-heat oil of your choice)
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425ºF. This ensures consistent cooking, which will make your chicken drumsticks crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
Prepare the Seasoning
Take a bowl and combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mixing these spices will create a delightful rub to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Season the Chicken
Place your chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle them generously with the cooking oil, which not only helps the seasoning adhere but also ensures a beautifully caramelized finish. Sprinkle over the seasoning mix and use your hands or a spoon to toss the drumsticks, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the delicious blend.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay out the seasoned drumsticks evenly on a baking sheet. It’s essential to leave enough space between each drumstick to allow hot air circulation, leading to even cooking. For a hassle-free cleanup, consider lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the drumsticks for about 40 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through. This technique guarantees even browning on all sides. Check the doneness with a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should read 175ºF when properly cooked.
Serve
Once baked to perfection, serve your chicken drumsticks hot. They make for a wonderful dinner centerpiece and pair beautifully with a range of sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
These baked chicken drumsticks are not just easy to make but also reward you with outstanding flavors, sure to please every member of your family. Enjoy this straightforward and tasty recipe, and watch it become a household favorite.
Alex Harrington