Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 40–45 mins | Total: 50–55 mins | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Family meals, meal prep, kids’ dinners, easy oven-baked recipes

Introduction

These crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a simple, affordable, and flavour-packed dinner that never fails. With perfectly seasoned skin and juicy meat inside, they’re the kind of meal you can throw together quickly and let the oven do the work.

Great for busy families, budget cooking, or feeding a crowd, this recipe uses pantry staples and delivers crispy, golden results without frying. Serve with rice, salad, roast veggies, or chips for a comforting, no-fuss meal.

Gathering the Ingredients

You will need:

• 8–10 chicken drumsticks

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (optional)

• ½ teaspoon chilli powder (optional for heat)

Optional variations:

• Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a caramelised finish

• Add lemon zest for brightness

• Replace paprika with smoked paprika for deeper flavour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Heat oven to 200°C (400°F).
   Line a baking tray with foil or baking paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the drumsticks
   Pat chicken dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp up.
   Place drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

3. Season generously
   Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.
   Toss until every drumstick is evenly coated.

4. Bake the chicken
   Arrange drumsticks on the tray, leaving space between each one.
   Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

5. Check doneness
   Chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) internally and juices should run clear.

6. Serve
   Enjoy with rice, vegetables, salad, chips, or your favourite sides.

Helpful Tips

• Drying the chicken is key to crispiness.

• Turn the drumsticks halfway through for even browning.

• Add a light spray of oil before baking for extra crunch.

• For extra crispy skin, broil/grill for the last 2–3 minutes.

• Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple pantry ingredients

• Crispy skin without frying

• Budget-friendly

• Kid-approved and family-friendly

• Minimal prep and cleanup

• Works for big batches or gatherings

Explore More Family Favourites

If you enjoyed this recipe, try:

• Easy One-Pan Honey Soy Chicken

• Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs

• Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken