How do you cook drumsticks in the oven

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Baked chicken drumsticks are an easy dinner that takes less than an hour to make! The chicken comes out amazingly juicy, has crispy skin, and is full of flavor. This is sure to be a dinner recipe that the entire family will enjoy!

If you're looking for a quick and delicious chicken dinner recipe, then you are in the right place! These baked chicken legs come together very easily. Simply season the chicken, let it marinate, and bake it in the oven! 

This recipe is made with delicious spices and seasonings, that you likely already have in your pantry. The chicken legs come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can also make this recipe using chicken thighs!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for chicken drumsticks baked in the oven:

• Chicken Drumsticks: Chicken legs are considered dark meat, and have more fat than white meat. This results in more flavor, and juicer chicken.
• Seasonings: The seasonings in this recipe are very simple. I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Great for adding an extra layer of flavor, and pairs really well with chicken. Alternatively, you could also use soy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds some healthy fat, and is great for marinating chicken.

How to make baked chicken drumsticks

Step by step instructions:

1. Add the chicken, seasonings, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce to a large freezer bag.
2. Seal the bag shut, and shake the bag to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the freezer bag, and arrange it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
5. Bake uncovered, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

Best oven temperature to bake chicken legs

I recommend baking chicken legs at 400 degrees, as it results in a crispier skin on the outside of the chicken.

At 400 degrees, the inside of the chicken will still be juicy. Just be sure to flip the chicken over halfway through the baking time.

How long to cook baked chicken drumsticks

Baked chicken drumsticks take about 45 minutes when baked at 400 degrees. This cooking time is typically the same when baking at any temperature between 350 and 425 degrees.

Keep in mind that cooking times will vary by oven. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What to serve with

Chicken drumsticks would be great served with steamed vegetables, salad, or any of these side dishes:

• Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Soul Food Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans
• Steamed Carrots

Storing and reheating leftovers

This recipe is great for meal prep and eating leftovers because it keeps well in the fridge. Leftover baked chicken legs may be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until they are heated through.

More easy chicken recipes:

• Air Fryer Cornish Hens
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (No Breading)
• Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Wings
• Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken - (Keto Friendly)
• French Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken drumsticks, (about 5 - 6 drumsticks)
• 1 teaspoon salt, (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using soy sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce, (alternatively you can use Soy Sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Add all of the ingredients to a large freezer bag and seal it closed.
3. Shake all of the ingredients in the bag together. Make sure that the chicken is evenly coated with everything.
4. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
5. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through the cooking time. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 489mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 28g

All nutritional information and calculations are provided as a courtesy. Nutritional values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product, and brand selection. You should not rely on this information for medical advice.

Kay is passionate about living a healthy low carb lifestyle. She loves low carb comfort foods that are also family-friendly!