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Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, these baked chicken drumsticks are easy to prepare and require minimal hands-on time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks Make sure to pat them dry for crispy skin.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for coating the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Season to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Season to taste.
Optional Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce For Sweet and Smoky flavor, apply during last 10 minutes of baking.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Use for Garlic Herb Comfort flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 lime zest and juice For Chili Lime Kick flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For Maple Mustard flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, followed by salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Baking
  1. Arrange the drumsticks on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, checking around 30 minutes for smaller drumsticks.
  3. If using BBQ sauce or glazes, apply them during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Notes

You can prepare drumsticks in advance by seasoning them and refrigerating them, then baking them just before serving. Serve with sides like roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal.