Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These juicy and flavorful baked chicken drumsticks are an easy & delicious main course and perfect for a busy weeknight. 

I found this recipe on Recipe Tin Eats and thought it sounded interesting because she used baking powder in the rub to help get the skin crispy while the chicken baked. The rub was easy to throw together, and the drumsticks were seasoned & ready to bake within 10 minutes. These baked chicken drumsticks smelled amazing while they were in the oven and turned out juicy & delicious with crispy skin. This quick and easy chicken recipe paired nicely with potato salad & a big garden salad.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Olive oil cooking spray

Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp + ¾ tsp flour
• 2½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1½ tsp baking powder **DON’T USE BAKING SODA
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ¾ tsp kosher salt

How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easier cleanup). Place a wire rack on the foiled baking sheet, then coat the rack well with cooking spray. Side Note: Cooking on a rack helps the underside of the drumsticks get crispier. 

Prepare the rub by combining the flour, smoked paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl; mix very well. Side Note: Be sure to use baking powder and NOT baking soda!!!)

Toss the drumsticks in the olive oil until evenly coated. Stretch and pull the skin on each drumstick to cover as much of the flesh as possible.

Coat each drumstick in the seasoning mixture, then shake off any excess. Place on the prepared rack.

Spray the drumsticks well with olive oil cooking spray and place them in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through baking time.

Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Enjoy!