Description
Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with their herb-infused, golden-brown exterior. Crisp seasonings and simple preparation guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 8 chicken drumsticks (total weight 2.5 to 3 pounds / 1.1 to 1.4 kilograms)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining onion powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, dry mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious zip-top bag or mixing bowl.
- Meticulously pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels, ensuring moisture removal for optimal seasoning adherence.
- Thoroughly coat each drumstick with the prepared spice mixture, guaranteeing even coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
- Allow seasoned drumsticks to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes if preparing for immediate baking, or refrigerate for up to 12 hours to intensify flavor profile.
- Position the oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 400°F (204°C), creating an optimal roasting environment.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and position a wire cooling rack on top to promote air circulation and crispy exterior.
- Arrange drumsticks skin-side up on the prepared rack, maintaining slight separation between pieces for consistent heat distribution.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the skin transforms to a golden-brown hue and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let drumsticks rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Prep your spice blend ahead of time to infuse deep, bold flavors into every juicy bite of chicken.
- Letting drumsticks rest before cooking helps seasonings penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
- Wire rack placement promotes air circulation, creating an extra crispy exterior that crackles with each bite.
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
- Internal temperature check guarantees perfectly cooked meat without risking foodborne illness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg