↑

Will Cook For Smiles

Classic and Original Homecooking Recipes

  • Home
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe!
  • Recipes
    • Popular Posts
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Healthy Dishes
    • Soup
    • Salad
    • Sandwich
    • Cauliflower
    • Drink
    • Cocktail
  • How To
  • Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Main Dishes
    • Instant Pot Side Dishes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Seafood
    • Pork
    • Chili
    • Pasta
    • Slow Cooker
    • Vegetarian
  • Dessert
    • Cheesecake
    • Cake
    • Cookies
    • Chocolate
  • Holidays
    • Fall Recipes
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Dinner
    • Christmas Baking
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Holiday Leftover Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • BBQ
    • 4th Of July
Home » Dinner » Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Created: July 31, 2023 Updated: August 1, 2023 by Lyuba Brooke 10 Comments *This post may contain affiliate links. Read More...

3.9K shares
Jump to Recipe

Baked Chicken Drumsticks are tender, juicy, and dry rubbed with the best chicken seasoning! This easy dinner recipe comes together in less than an hour and is versatile enough to serve with any of your favorite side dishes.

Try more of reader favorite baked chicken recipes like Parmesan and Herb Stuffed Chicken and Bacon Wrapped Chicken.

A batch of baked chicken drumsticks is garnished with fresh parsley.

Table of Contents

  • Best Seasoning for Baked Chicken
  • Ingredients For Chicken Drumsticks
  • How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
  • Recipe FAQs
  • What to Serve With Baked Chicken Legs?
  • Storing and Reheating Recommendations
  • Tools For This Recipe
  • More Chicken Drumstick Recipes To Try
  • Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

I’m such a drumstick lover. When it comes to juiciness, flavor, and tenderness, chicken legs have it all! There is more fat content in dark meat, which is what makes it more juicy and tender than white meat. And the flavor of dark meat is just unbeatable!

When it comes to baking chicken drumsticks, the number one question that people ask is how to season or marinate it. Truly, you can season it however you want and use many different marinades. Chicken is very good at adapting to most flavors. In my opinion, you want a strong blend of seasonings that combines components of salty, spicy, savory, and even a little sweet. 

Using a dry rub on baked chicken is my favorite because it gives the meats more flavor than a marinade. No matter how long you hold the chicken in the marinade, it will not stay on the meat as it cooks. Dry rub, on the other hand, will stay on the meat as it cooks. 

Best Seasoning for Baked Chicken

Chicken seasoning is a combination of herbs and spices that go very well with the flavor of chicken. It can be used on baked chicken, grilled chicken, or pan-seared chicken.

To make this seasoning, simply combine ingredients in a small jar and mix thoroughly. Chicken seasoning consists of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, fried basil, ground thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 

Ingredients For Chicken Drumsticks

The ingredients for baked chicken drumsticks are placed on a wooden surface.

Chicken Drumsticks – One of my favorite cuts of meat! You’ll need about 10-12 of them for this easy recipe.

Salt – I recommend using pink Himalayan, coarse kosher, or flaky sea salt for this recipe. Iodized salt has a tendency to make things taste salty instead of enhancing the other flavors as it should.

Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper will create the most noticeable flavor.

Smoked Paprika – You can use regular paprika if preferred.

Cayenne Pepper – Add more or less of this to control the heat level of your spice blend. With the small amount that’s called for in this recipe, there’s a little bit of a kick but it’s quite tame.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and instructions.

How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

One image shows raw chicken drumsticks being seasoned. A second photo shows the same chicken legs placed on a foil lined baking sheet.

Make the chicken seasoning. Prepare the chicken seasoning by mixing all the ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Close the lid and shake it well to combine. 

Season the chicken. Place chicken drumsticks into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle seasoning all over chicken. Mix chicken and seasoning until all the drumsticks are evenly coated (1).

Prepare for baking. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay out drumsticks onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little bit of room in between each piece. 

Bake the chicken. Bake chicken drumsticks at 425°F for 25 minutes. Then, flip each piece over and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Exact baking time will depend on the size of drumsticks. (3)

A baking sheet is lined with parchment paper and baked chicken drumsticks.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked?

If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer! It’s the most certain way to make sure the meat is fully cooked. Inserted into the thickest part of the meat, fully cooked chicken that’s safe to eat should be 165°F.

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

At 425°F, chicken drumsticks need about 35-45 minutes to cook. After the first 25 minutes, flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. The exact time will always depend on the size of the drumsticks. Always judge doneness by the largest piece.

What is the best temperature bake chicken drumsticks?

I have tried every temperature when I make chicken legs and I find 425° to be the best. At this temperature, you get a wonderfully juicy chicken with crispy skin.

Baked chicken legs are spread across a parchment lined baking sheet.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Legs?

Although this recipe is flavorful, it’s also neutral enough to plate perfectly with SO many various side dishes.

Consider lighter sides like Sautéed Mushrooms, Broccoli Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad or Quinoa Salad.

Heartier side dish recipes like Parmesan Baked Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Parmesan Mushroom Orzo, or Truffle Fries.

Salads also make a nice side like Caesar Salad or Greek Salad.

Storing and Reheating Recommendations

Storing: Store baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, they will last for about 3-4 days.

Reheating: With bone-in recipes like this one, I recommend reheating either in the oven or air fryer as opposed to the microwave. Both options will help maintain that crispy skin.

In the air fryer, I’d suggest reheating your leftovers at 360°F for about 4-5 minutes, but it also depends on size of the drumsticks. You may need a few more minutes if they’re very big. In the oven, I’d suggest 350°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through.

Baked drumsticks are presented on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Tools For This Recipe

(Affiliate links)

Digital Instant Read Thermometer

Parchment paper

Baking sheet

Metal tongs

Cutting Board – use plastic cutting board when working with raw meats!

More Chicken Drumstick Recipes To Try

Honey Guinness Chicken Drumsticks

Sweet Garlic Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Coconut Lime Chicken Drumsticks

Braised Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below or share and tag me on social media @willcookforsmiles. DON’T FORGET to subscribe to my newsletter!

several baked chicken drumsticks with chicken seasoning on a plate.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These juicy chicken drumsticks is rubbed with delicious homemade chicken seasoning and baked in the oven.
4.85 from 13 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 5 (10-12 drumsticks)
Calories: 404kcal
Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 4 lbs chicken drumstick (10-12 drumsticks)

Chicken Seasoning:

  • 2 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
  • 1/2 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp ground thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (can use regular paprika)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Chicken Seasoning:

  • Combine chicken seasoning ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Close the lid and shake it well to combine.

Chicken:

  • Preheat the oven to 425° and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place chicken drumsticks into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle seasoning all over the chicken. Mix chicken and seasoning until all the drumsticks are evenly coated. 
  • Lay out drumsticks onto the parchment paper, leaving a little bit of room in between each piece. 
  • Bake chicken drumsticks at 425° for 25 minutes, flip each piece over and bake for another 10-15 minutes. (Exact baking time will depend on the size of drumsticks.)

Notes

  • Storing: Store baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, they will last for about 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: With bone-in recipes like this one, I recommend reheating either in the oven or air fryer as opposed to the microwave. Both options will help maintain that crispy skin. In the air fryer, I’d suggest reheating your leftovers at 360°F for about 4-5 minutes, but it also depends on size of the drumsticks. You may need a few more minutes if they’re very big. In the oven, I’d suggest 350°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 224mg | Sodium: 1420mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles

LYUBA

ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

3.9K shares

Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Gluten Free, Healthy Dishes

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.

Comments

  1. Scottelle says

    August 19, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    Can I use leg quarters?

    Reply
  2. wilhelmina says

    August 6, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    This checked all the boxes for me, easy, hearty, and budget friendly. I made these drummies for dinner and the whole family raved about the flavor!

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      August 7, 2023 at 10:02 am

      I am so glad you liked them!

      Reply
  3. M says

    August 2, 2023 at 8:24 pm

    5 stars
    These chicken drumsticks were so easy to make and so delicious. The only change we made was skipping the cayenne.

    Reply
  4. Sharon S says

    January 12, 2022 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    Tried this tonight only on a couple of chicken breasts, Came out so juicy and so much flavor. The dripping had so much flavor I added it to the rice, I cooked to go with it so good. Along with a mixture of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots became a great meal. Thanks

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      January 18, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      So glad you liked it, Sharon!

      Reply
  5. Angela says

    April 12, 2020 at 1:17 am

    5 stars
    What a beautiful blend of spices! This drumstick recipe is to easy to make and very tasty. My roommates I tried it out and absolutely loved them.

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      April 13, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks, Angela! So glad you liked the recipe!

      Reply
  6. Sandra says

    August 6, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Please give your hash brown casserole recipe could not pull it up

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      August 7, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Hi, Sandra! Here is the link you can click on https://www.willcookforsmiles.com/hashbrown-casserole/
      please let me know if it doesn’t work.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Well, hey there!

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read More.

Fall Recipes

A stack of pumpkin pancakes with whipped cream and syrup on top on a plate.

Pumpkin Pancakes

A stack of sweet potato cakes on a cutting board with a dollop of sour cream on top with green onions.

Sweet Potato Cakes

scooping out some roasted potatoes and bacon.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

squared centered image of stacked apple bacon grilled cheese

Apple Bacon Gouda Grilled Cheese

top view of apple salad in wooden bowl and dressing.

Apple Salad

closeup of pulling off a piece of monkey bread.

Apple Pie Monkey Bread

spreading gravy over the sliced pork.

Apple Maple Dijon Pork Roast

spooning out some turkey chili out of a bowl

White Turkey Chili

Our Popular Recipes

top view of chicken piccata in sauce on a plate

Chicken Piccata

closeup of banana pancakes on a plate with nuts and syrup

Single Serving Banana Pancakes

closeup view of the martini with olives in a glass

Dirty Martini

Green Bean Casserole

top view of pineapple fried rice topped with shrimp

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Instant Pot Buffalo Ranch Shredded Chicken

Top Rated Recipes

The Best French Toast

Cauliflower Parmesan Crisps

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl

round decorative bowl filled with apple pie bread pudding topped with ice cream and a fork leaning on the side of the bowl viewed close up.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Smores cheesecake on a wooden table

S'mores Cheesecake

Sides

30 Min

Pasta

Salads

Breakfast

Drinks

Soups

Gluten Free

FEATURED ON:

featured on

Caipirinha

Caipirinha

September 5, 2023
Caipirinha...
Shrimp Burgers

Shrimp Burgers

August 30, 2023
These...
Classic Mojito Recipe

Classic Mojito Recipe

August 16, 2023
Classic...
Turkey Burgers

Turkey Burgers

June 14, 2023
This...
Steak Diane

Steak Diane

May 29, 2023
Steak...
Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed Mushrooms

May 26, 2023
Sautéed...
Lobster Tails Recipe

Lobster Tails Recipe

May 26, 2023
This...
Greek Tortellini Salad

Greek Tortellini Salad

May 25, 2023
Greek...
Blackened Salmon

Blackened Salmon

May 25, 2023
Blackened...
Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

May 11, 2023
Shrimp...
Privacy Policy
©2023, Will Cook For Smiles. Design by Pixel Me Designs