Baked chicken doesn’t always need to be done with a whole chicken. When baking chicken, baking it in cuts is easier than doing it whole.
Drumsticks, for example, are one of the chicken parts most coveted by children as they are undeniably more delicious and juicier than any other part. Heck, even adults fight over chicken drumsticks too.
While frying might be your go-to chicken meal, did you know you can bake chicken drumsticks too? Here’s how.
How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks
When making baked chicken drumsticks, the goal is to make them crispy on the outside while juicy on the inside. You can also fry them, but baking is the healthier choice because it’s less greasy.
Before baking, remember that dark meat, such as chicken thighs or legs, has higher fat content and density, and as a result, they take a longer time to cook.
How to Season Your Drumsticks
The first step in preparing your drumsticks is to season them. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in your mixing bowl. Mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly. You can always add any additional ingredients that you want.
For instance, you may add a small number of chili flakes if you want some added spice. It doesn’t have to be complicated. This preparation time will only take you about five to ten minutes.
Place your drumsticks inside a Ziploc or a plastic bag when you season them. You can easily coat all the chicken with your spices in this way. Seal it before you massage the chicken inside.
Another hack is to massage chicken inside the Ziploc or the plastic bag, which will help absorb all the flavors. Refrigerate for at least thirty minutes or even overnight. The longer the time you marinate them, the more flavorful your chicken will become.
Bake Your Drumsticks
The next step is to pop it out of your refrigerator then we can start baking.
Ideally, to have a crispy baked drumstick, set the temperature high. Preheating to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit will be enough.
While waiting for the oven to get ready, you can start arranging your seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet. You can spray cooking oil just to make sure that it doesn’t stick.
Another trick is to place them in a single layer only. An overcrowded baking sheet will produce steam in between and prevent us from getting that crispy chicken skin we desire.
How Long Do You Bake Chicken Drumsticks?
Usually, drumsticks take around forty-five minutes to cook when using an oven thoroughly. The time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, oven temperature, desired internal temperature, and the type of oven you are using.
It will take a little longer if your chicken is baked right away when you take it out of your refrigerator.
Baking your drumsticks at different temperatures will give you different results.
How Long Do You Bake Chicken Drumsticks at 400 Degrees Fahrenheit?
At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only take 20 to 25 minutes for the drumsticks to cook, and your drumsticks will come out crispy and cooked thoroughly.
The cooking time can change, though, if you have drumsticks that are too thick. A meat thermometer injected near the bone should register at 165 degrees Fahrenheit before taking your drumsticks out of the oven. This is the ideal internal temperature to tell that a chicken is cooked all the way through.
How Long Do You Bake Chicken Drumsticks at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit?
At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take you thirty-five to forty-five minutes to cook your chicken. Bake them at a higher temperature if you want to achieve that tender flesh and crispy skin. Baking them at a temperature lower than 400 degrees Fahrenheit won’t result in crispy baked drumsticks.
If you want to bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit but want to achieve that crispy chicken skin, you may want to switch to a broiler after you have baked it.
Switch your broiler to high, and it will take you around two to five minutes to cook. Take it out of the broiler until the chicken skin is crispy.
Avoid overcrowding your baking sheet at any desired temperature because it may result in a longer cooking time. Your chicken is done when the meat is no longer pink. You can check on this before you take it out of the oven.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Drumsticks
You can pair baked chicken drumsticks with any side dish. With our marinade being so simple, any side dish can easily complement your baked chicken.
Mac and Cheese
You may try this three-ingredient mac and cheese. All you need are 5 cups of milk, 455 grams of elbow macaroni, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Start by bringing your milk to a boil.
Add your elbow macaroni and constantly stir for about ten minutes or until the macaroni is cooked. Turn off the heat and add your two cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until the cheese is well combined with the macaroni. Serve while still hot.
Mashed Potatoe
A classic mashed potato can never go wrong with baked chicken drumsticks.
Bring to a boil a pot of salted water and add potatoes. Cook until tender but not overcooked. This will take about 15 minutes and then drain.
In a saucepan, heat butter and milk over low heat until the butter is melted.
Using an electric beater, blend your butter and milk mixture with your mashed potato until it achieves that smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a simple dish that you can prepare in just thirty minutes.
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your prepared broccoli (halved and stems already peeled) and garlic slices on a baking pan.
Drizzle some olive oil over the broccoli and garlic. Toss them to coat them evenly and spread them in a single layer.
Season with salt and pepper and roast for ten to fifteen minutes until there are brown edges.
Air Fried Sweet Potatoes
Another easy recipe that you can try is these baked sweet potatoes in an air fryer.
For sweet potatoes, you may want to choose medium-sized sweet potatoes so that they will cook faster. Wash your sweet potatoes and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Why? If the skin is moist, there’s a chance that the outer layer of your potatoes won’t be as crispy.
Coat the skin of the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle some salt. As we are working with an air fryer, oil is optional.
Put the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket but remember not to crowd them. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Take it out of the air fryer and serve while still hot.
