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Delicious oven roasted chicken drumsticks, golden brown and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices in a teal baking dish.
Daniel

Perfectly Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

A simple yet delicious recipe for perfectly crispy and juicy chicken drumsticks, seasoned with a savory herb blend and roasted to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks skin on, bone-in
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Seasoning Blend
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a kick

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Wire Rack
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for even crispier skin.
  2. Thoroughly pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning blend ingredients: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Seasoning and Roasting
  1. Add the dried chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there is ample space between each drumstick to allow for proper air circulation, which helps crisp the skin.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip the drumsticks. Continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (without touching the bone) and the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy.
Resting
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.

Notes

For even crispier skin, elevate the drumsticks on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.