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Deliciously crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks artfully arranged on a platter.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken drumsticks right in your oven with minimal effort. This recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with a juicy interior.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 pounds Chicken Drumsticks skin on
  • Coarse sea salt or kosher salt generous amount
Optional Additions
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika smoked or sweet
  • Olive oil a touch

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large bowl
  • Wire rack and baking sheet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
Seasoning & Baking
  1. Place the dried drumsticks in a large bowl and sprinkle generously with coarse salt and any other desired seasonings, massaging them well.
  2. Arrange a wire rack on a baking sheet and place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Resting
  1. For best results, let the drumsticks rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider brining the drumsticks for a few hours before seasoning. Ensure drumsticks are completely dry for the crispiest skin. A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked through.