Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

We don’t know about you, but we have a serious soft spot for chicken drumsticks. We mean, come on! You get to grab them with your hands, bite into that meaty flesh, and let the juices run down your chin. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Now, we know that we all love crispy chicken skin, but let’s face it, sometimes it can be a little tough to achieve that perfect crunch, especially if you don’t want to hit the fryer. But fear not my friends, because we have a little trick up our sleeve that will guarantee you get that perfect crisp every time – say hi to baking powder.

That’s right, baking powder is the secret ingredient that will take your chicken drumsticks to the next level. It works like magic, helping the skin crisp up and turn golden brown, while keeping the meat inside moist and juicy.

But before we get to the baking powder, let’s talk seasoning. For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple but flavorful with a BBQ rub-like blend of smoked or plain paprika, onion and garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a little bit of flour to coat the legs evenly all over.

To start, we’ll mix the spices and flour together in a shallow bowl. Then, we’ll coat the drumsticks in oil (we prefer using our hands to ensure each drumstick is well-coated), and stretch the skin over the flesh as much as possible. This is key to achieving that perfect crisp.

Next, we’ll dip each drumstick into the seasoning mixture, making sure to coat it evenly all over. Shake off any excess, otherwise, you’ll end up with a thick layer of pasty-ish coating on the chicken legs. Then, we’ll place the legs on a rack on a foil-lined tray (it makes cleanup a breeze), and spray them generously with oil. This will help them turn crispy and golden brown, almost like a frying effect.

We’ll start by baking the drumsticks for 30 minutes at 200°C/390°F (180°C fan), rotating the tray once to ensure they cook evenly. Then, we’ll crank up the oven to 220°C/430°C (200°C fan) and bake for a further 15 minutes until they’re crisp and golden. Depending on your oven, you may need an extra 5 minutes to get that skin crispy – so don’t be afraid to double check that crisp-level before you serve.

And there you have it, crispy baked chicken drumsticks that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Serve them up hot, and watch as your friends and family devour them in seconds. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a game day snack. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking.

How to Make The Crispiest Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray

Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C), or 355°F (180°C) fan-forced.

Line a baking tray with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top to allow airflow under the drumsticks.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoning Mix

In a medium bowl, combine plain flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Drumsticks

Toss chicken drumsticks with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Pull and stretch the skin on each drumstick to cover as much meat as possible.

Coat each drumstick individually in the seasoning mix, shaking off any excess. Place coated drumsticks evenly spaced on the prepared rack.

Step 4: Apply Cooking Spray

Generously spray each drumstick with cooking oil spray. This step ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake Drumsticks

Bake drumsticks for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even cooking.

After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 430°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until skin is deeply golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Crispy Chicken Drumsticks FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, thighs work perfectly. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may cook quicker.

Is the baking powder necessary?
Yes, baking powder is key to achieving crispy skin in the oven.

Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, coat and refrigerate drumsticks for up to 24 hours before baking.

What oil spray is best?
Use a neutral-tasting spray oil such as vegetable or canola oil.

Can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best crispiness.

Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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4.8 from 6 reviews

• Author: Honest Cooking
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 drumsticks 1x

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Description

Do you love juicy, meaty, finger-licking chicken drumsticks? If the answer is yes (and let’s be honest, if it wasn’t, why would you be reading this), then you’re in luck because we’re about to share our favorite recipe for the absolute crispiest baked chicken drumsticks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 chicken drumsticks

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Cooking oil spray

Seasoning Mix:

4 1/2 tablespoons plain flour

3 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

3 teaspoons onion powder

5 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons baking powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray

• Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C), or 355°F (180°C) fan-forced.
• Line a baking tray with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top to allow airflow under the drumsticks.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoning Mix

• In a medium bowl, combine plain flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Drumsticks

• Toss chicken drumsticks with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Pull and stretch the skin on each drumstick to cover as much meat as possible.
• Coat each drumstick individually in the seasoning mix, shaking off any excess. Place coated drumsticks evenly spaced on the prepared rack.

Step 4: Apply Cooking Spray

• Generously spray each drumstick with cooking oil spray. This step ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake Drumsticks

• Bake drumsticks for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even cooking.
• After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 430°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until skin is deeply golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Notes

Ensuring the drumsticks are well-coated and sprayed with oil will give you the crispiest results.

For extra crispiness, pat drumsticks dry thoroughly before coating with oil.

Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level to your preference.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 50 min
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Oven Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

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