Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A plate of seasoned, baked chicken drumsticks garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white dish with greens in the background.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Crispy baked drumsticks with shatteringly crisp skin and juicy, tender meat inside. Ready in under an hour with a simple dry spice blend and a hot oven.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 133kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Oven
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • wire rack
  • Large bowl
  • Paper towels
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 2½ to 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder aluminum-free
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder optional, for extra crunch

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray.
  • Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so take your time here.
  • In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the drumsticks and toss until evenly coated. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss again so the coating lightly adheres.
    Raw chicken drumsticks coated with seasoning are placed in a clear glass bowl on a white surface.
  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching so air can circulate. Sprinkle with the extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder if using.
    Raw, seasoned chicken drumsticks and thighs arranged on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet, ready for cooking.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
    Several seasoned and baked chicken drumsticks rest on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • For extra crunch, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end while watching closely. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 1mg