Enjoy the irresistible Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks, a dish known for its crispy, crunchy texture and rich flavor. Made with skinned drumsticks, simple seasonings, and fresh herbs, it's a perfect choice for pairing with rice, veggies, or your favorite sauce, making it a versatile option for both lunch and dinner.
Combine garlic, ginger, chili, black pepper powder, dried parsley, and salt in a small glass bowl. Mix them well to create your seasoning mix.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a separate bowl. Pour oil over them and mix well, ensuring each drumstick is evenly coated.
Add the prepared seasoning mix to the oiled drumsticks. Then, sprinkle chopped Cilantro over them. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the drumsticks are well-coated with the seasoning.
Baking Chicken Drumsticks
Position the seasoned drumsticks on a wire rack within a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This setup ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, as the parchment captures any drippings. You can also use these drippings to baste the drumsticks during baking for added moisture and flavor.
Place the tray in an oven preheated to 400° F. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, but start checking at 45 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 170° F to ensure they're thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
Once the drumsticks achieve a golden-brown crispiness and the correct internal temperature, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving
Pair these delicious Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a variety of creative pairing ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make perfect Baked Chicken Drumsticks:
Seasoning Mix: Elevate your dish with the perfect seasoning. While this recipe uses basic spices, feel free to adjust it to your liking. For more inspiration, check out our blog's variety of seasoning options to suit your taste.
Marinating Time: If time allows, marinate the drumsticks with the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Even Coating: Ensure each drumstick is evenly coated with the seasoning mix. This uniform application helps in achieving consistent flavor and crispiness across all pieces.
Space Out the Drumsticks: When placing the drumsticks on the baking tray, make sure they are not overcrowded. Adequate space allows for even heat circulation, ensuring all sides of the drumsticks get crispy.
Checking for Doneness: To ensure your chicken is cooked safely and perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165° F, as recommended by the FDA. Additionally, you can test doneness by piercing the thickest part of the drumstick with a fork or knife. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. This double-check method guarantees both safety and delicious results.
Resting Time: After baking, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.