Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The seasoned coating fries up golden and crispy, creating an irresistible crunch.

• Juicy Chicken: Despite the crispy exterior, the chicken stays tender and juicy on the inside.

• Flavorful Seasoning: A blend of spices gives the chicken a savory, flavorful kick.

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation, making it a go-to for busy days.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by both adults and kids, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

• Versatile Dish: Serve with your favorite side dishes or as a snack for any occasion.

• One Pan Cooking: Simple cleanup with just one pan to wash.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: These drumsticks hold up well, making them great for leftovers or meal prepping.

• Customizable Seasoning: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less heat.

• Affordable and Filling: A budget-friendly meal that fills everyone up.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

• 6 chicken drumsticks

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Crispy Coating:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornmeal

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Rub the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, ensuring they are coated evenly. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and cayenne (if using) all over the chicken. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

3. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

4. Dredge each seasoned drumstick into the coating mixture, making sure each one is thoroughly covered. Place the coated drumsticks onto the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

6. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. Serve the crispy drumsticks hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

• Herb Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to the seasoning mix for added flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover, cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make the skin extra crispy?

Ensure the drumsticks are patted dry before seasoning and baking. Using a rack on the baking sheet allows air circulation, promoting crispiness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may require a slightly longer baking time due to their size.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating is not required, but allowing the seasoned chicken to sit for 10 minutes helps the flavors to meld.

Can I freeze the seasoned drumsticks before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the seasoned and coated drumsticks. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding additional cooking time as needed.

What sides pair well with these drumsticks?

These drumsticks pair well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Can I bake these drumsticks at a higher temperature?

Baking at a higher temperature can result in a crispier exterior. If baking at 425°F (220°C), reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor closely to prevent burning.

Are there any low-sodium alternatives for the seasoning?

To reduce sodium, use a salt-free seasoning blend and omit the added salt in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of oil for coating?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or melted butter as alternatives to olive oil.

How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Ensure your baking sheet has enough space to arrange the drumsticks in a single layer for even cooking.

Conclusion

These Seasoned Crispy Chicken Drumsticks offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they deliver a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.