If you need a foolproof dinner that’s fast to prep and packed with flavor, these Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are it. Tossed in a bold, barbecue-style seasoning blend and baked on a rack for maximum airflow, they come out beautifully golden and crisp every time. The secret? A touch of baking powder in the seasoning — a simple trick that helps the skin crisp up in the oven without frying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this easy chicken drumsticks recipe is one you’ll make on repeat.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 5–6 people (12 drumsticks)
- Course: Mains
- Cuisine: Western
Ingredients List
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Oil spray
Seasoning Mix:
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons cooking/kosher salt
- 4 ½ tablespoons plain/all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack
- Large mixing bowl
- Shallow bowl (for seasoning)
- Tongs
- Oil spray
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Tray
Preheat oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan).
Line a tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the underside crisp up beautifully.
2️⃣ Mix the Seasoning
In a shallow bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, flour, and baking powder. Mix well.
✨ Make sure you’re using baking powder — not baking soda!
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Toss drumsticks in olive oil until evenly coated.
Stretch and pull the skin to cover as much flesh as possible.
Roll each drumstick in the seasoning mixture, shaking off excess.
Place on the rack.
4️⃣ Spray & Bake
Spray generously with oil.
Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.
Increase oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan) and bake another 15 minutes, or until skin is deep golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy! 🍗
Pro Tips
- Extra Crispy: Don’t skip the rack — airflow is key.
- No Rack? Turn drumsticks halfway and add 5–10 extra minutes.
- Other Cuts: Works great with wings (same timing) or bone-in thighs (adjust cook time slightly).
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days; reheat in oven for best texture.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~2 drumsticks | 395 | 33g | 10g | 24g | 1g | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, flour, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Pat drumsticks dry, toss with olive oil, then coat thoroughly in the seasoning mixture.
- Place drumsticks on the wire rack and lightly spray or brush with additional oil if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are proof that you don’t need a fryer to get incredible crunch. With simple pantry spices and a clever baking powder trick, you’ll get golden, juicy chicken every time. Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests this is a keeper recipe.