Why you should cook baked chicken drumsticks
These Baked Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable meal. The high heat of the oven ensures the skin gets golden brown while keeping the inside tender. Using a simple rub allows the natural flavour of the meat to shine through without being overpowering. It is a budget friendly way to feed a group and requires almost no clean up if you use baking parchment.
Follow these simple steps for baked chicken drumsticks
Prepare oven: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes washing up much easier later.
Season chicken: Place the chicken into a large bowl and add the olive oil along with all the dry spices. Use your hands or tongs to coat every piece evenly so the flavour spreads well.
Arrange tray: Lay the drumsticks out on the prepared tray in a single layer with space between them. Crowding the tray can cause the meat to steam rather than roast.
Bake meat: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Check that the internal temperature is safe before removing them from the oven to serve.
Tips and tricks for baked chicken drumsticks
For the crispiest skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper before adding the oil and spices. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from browning properly during the cooking process. You can also turn the drumsticks halfway through the baking time to ensure even colour on both sides.
If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. Let the Baked Chicken Drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices inside the meat. This simple step makes a big difference in the final texture of the dish.
You can also try these recipes:
salmon with quinoa,
french fish and seafood stew or
pasta with pork and tomato.
