These Chicken Drumsticks are easy to make and bursting with flavour. They’re also baked in the oven for a no fuss lunch or dinner!

These drumsticks are slightly sweet, a little sticky, they’ve got a kick of spice and they’re a whole ‘lotta nice. And that ladies and gentlemen is where my rhyming career ends 😂 But you get the gist. Follow me…

Reading: How long to roast drumsticks

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Preparing Chicken Drumsticks

I did promise a ‘no fuss’ recipe, and that I still do promise. BUT, we do need to coat the drumsticks in some sort of seasoning. In order to do that you’ll want to create a quick ‘flavour paste’ to slather over the chicken. This simple paste consisting of olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, thyme, onion/garlic powder, salt & cayenne/black pepper is what really brings these drumsticks to life.

Brown Sugar Chicken Drumsticks

I know it might sound a little odd to slather your chicken in sugar, but it really is a game-changing ingredient. As the drumsticks bake the sugar caramelizes and helps crisp up the skin. The sweetness also helps balance out the spice and salt in the flavour paste too. You get a nice sticky, BBQ flavour with help from the smoked paprika.

Chicken Drumsticks Marinade

If you want to prep the drumsticks ahead of time and marinate them, you absolutely can. In fact this will help inject some of the flavour into the chicken. If you’re doing this I recommend adding a touch of acidity, something like lemon or lime juice. This will not only help thin out the paste, but will also help tenderize the chicken as it marinates.

Process shots: add seasoning and oil to small pot (photo 1), stir to combine (photo 2), pour over chicken drumsticks (photo 3), stir to combine (photo 4).

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Once you’ve coated the drumsticks, it’s time to throw them in the oven. As you can imagine, this step is incredibly simple. There’s a few tips I recommend which will help along the way.

Using a wire rack

This isn’t a deal breaker, but using a wire rack will help the heat circulate around the drumsticks and allow them to cook and crisp up a little more evenly. Just ensure you place a tray underneath to catch any juices that fall.

Space them out

Whether you use a rack or tray, just ensure you space them out. If the drumsticks are crammed together they’re likely to steam instead of roast. And we both know there’s nothing worse than soggy chicken skin 😭

Using all the flavour paste

Once you’ve spaced out all the drumsticks, you’ll more than likely notice a little seasoning/oil left in the mixing bowl. I recommend grabbing a brush and brushing it over the drumsticks. Waste not want not and all that!

Process shots: space out drumsticks on rack (photo 1), collect leftover oil/seasoning (photo 2), brush over drumsticks (photo 3), bake in the oven (photo 4), allow to cool for a couple mins then serve up (photo 5).

Chicken Drumsticks FAQ

At what temperature should I cook drumsticks in the oven?

You can cook them at any temp between 180C/356F – 220C/425F, you’ll just need to adjust the timings accordingly. For the best ratio of juiciness and crispiness I like to roast them nice and hot (220C/425F), just to get a slight charring and extra crispy skin.

How long to bake chicken drumsticks?

Again, depends on the temp. But for 220C/425F, depending on the size of your drumsticks, I find around 35mins to hit the sweet spot.

What temperature is chicken cooked?

In all instances make sure the internal temp of the chicken is 165F/75C, with the juices running clear when pierced.

What should I serve with chicken drumsticks?

The awesome thing about drumsticks is they’re so versatile. Here I’ve just served with ranch ‘n’ rice, but most side dishes will work great! Also check out my potato category, because, well, potato.

And that’s all the tips and trick I got for you on this one! It’s a really simple recipe but one I know will become of of your staples 😋

For another delicious and easy baked chicken leg recipe check out my Roasted Leg Quarters!

For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:

Baked Chicken Recipes

Chipotle Roasted Chicken
Garlic Herb Spatchcock Chicken
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Spanish Chicken Tray Bake

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these baked chicken drumsticks shall we?!

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks (Full Recipe & Video)

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Source: https://www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk/baked-chicken-drumsticks/