Spicy Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're craving a crunchy, spicy chicken dish without the mess of deep frying, these oven-baked drumsticks are your answer. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend, then coated in a fiery chip crust, they offer bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Baking on a wire rack ensures even cooking and crispiness without excess oil. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers all the indulgence with a lighter touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 chicken drumsticks

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup hot sauce

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups crushed spicy chips (Flamin’ Hot or spicy nacho recommended)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: cayenne pepper for extra heat

• Cooking spray or oil

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating
   In a shallow dish, mix flour, crushed spicy chips, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

3. Coat the Drumsticks
   Remove drumsticks from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.

4. Arrange for Baking
   Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil. Arrange the coated drumsticks on the rack, ensuring they are not touching to allow air circulation.

5. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

6. Serve
   Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Extra Heat: Add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of spicy chips to intensify the heat.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the chips are gluten-free.

• Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour mixture for added aroma.

• Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle with honey or a sweet chili sauce after baking for a sweet and spicy glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make the drumsticks spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating or use a hotter variety of spicy chips.

Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?

Yes, adjust the cooking time as wings cook faster than drumsticks.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step.

Can I bake these without a wire rack?

Yes, but using a wire rack allows air circulation for even crispiness. If not using one, flip the drumsticks halfway through baking.

How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the cooked drumsticks?

Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of chips for the coating?

Yes, any flavored chips can be used, but spicy chips add the desired heat.

How can I make the coating crunchier?

Double coat the drumsticks by dipping them back into the buttermilk mixture and then the flour mixture before baking.

Can I grill these drumsticks instead of baking?

Yes, grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What sides pair well with these drumsticks?

Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad to complement the spicy flavor.

Conclusion

These spicy crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks offer a delightful combination of heat and crunch, satisfying your cravings without the need for deep frying. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they make for an enjoyable meal that's both flavorful and healthier. Customize the spice level to your preference and enjoy a delicious dish that's sure to impress.

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Crunchy, spicy oven-baked chicken drumsticks marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in a fiery chip crust, and baked to crispy perfection without deep frying.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks

1 cup buttermilk

¼ cup hot sauce

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups crushed spicy chips (Flamin’ Hot or spicy nacho recommended)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: cayenne pepper for extra heat

Cooking spray or oil

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, crushed spicy chips, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
3. Remove drumsticks from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere coating evenly.
4. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil. Arrange coated drumsticks on the rack without touching.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden and crispy.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese if desired.

Notes

• Extra heat: Add more cayenne pepper or use hotter spicy chips.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with gluten-free blend and use gluten-free chips.
• Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to coating mix.
• Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle honey or sweet chili sauce after baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 min or air fryer for 5-7 min.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (165°F/74°C).
• Double coating for extra crunch by dipping again in buttermilk then flour mix.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg