Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating mouthwatering Crispy Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks! This dish, a perennial favorite, combines simplicity with delectable flavors that bring out the best in chicken. Beloved across cultures, baked drumsticks offer a fantastic blend of crispy skin and tender meat. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe promises to impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp baking soda (secret ingredient for extra crispiness!)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for those preferring a coated version)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature ensures a crispy exterior.
- Clean the drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Season the drumsticks. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, baking soda, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. For a coated version, dredge the seasoned drumsticks in flour, shaking off the excess.
Baking
- Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack set over a baking tray. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting an even crisp.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips and Variations
- Enhancing Crispiness: Baking soda is a miracle ingredient for achieving a crispy finish. It raises the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing it to brown better.
- No Flour Needed: If you prefer to skip the flour, ensure your drumsticks are well-coated with the oil and spice mixture to maximize the skin’s crispiness.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices such as cayenne for heat or a blend of herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these drumsticks with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per drumstick
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g (1 g if using flour)
Conclusion
These Crispy Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are not just about tantalizing your taste buds but are also about enjoying the ease of cooking. They demonstrate how a few simple ingredients, when used correctly, can transform basic chicken drumsticks into a dish that’s both festive and comforting. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or casual gathering and watch as these drumsticks disappear from the plate.