Ingredients
– 8 chicken drumsticks with skin, each about 4 ounces (total around 2 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (melted butter can be used as an alternative)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon if using other kosher salts)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (can be substituted with 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic)
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste for spice level)
Instructions
1-Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease lightly. This prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
2-Pat dry the chicken. Use paper towels on the 8 drumsticks. Dry skin crisps better. Toss in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne if desired.
3-Arrange evenly. Space drumsticks on the tray. Avoid crowding for even cooking.
4-Bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip halfway for uniform browning. Juices run clear when done.
5-Rest and check. Internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes for juicy meat.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety and perfect doneness
🍗 Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning for extra crispy skin that everyone will love
🧂 Adjust seasonings to your taste – add more paprika for smoky flavor or more cayenne for extra heat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg