My easy baked chicken drumsticks are the perfect go-to dinner when you need something simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Cooked in the oven until golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few seasonings from the pantry, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

Be sure to try my crispy air fryer chicken legs or air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks next!

Baked chicken drumsticks neatly stacked on top of each other.

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Last month, I shared my recipes for baked pork chops and baked chicken thighs, so it only made sense to follow up with another one of my favorite easy baked chicken dishes. I find myself making this for dinner at least once a week because it’s quick, simple, and a win for everyone—me, my husband, and the kids!

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Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Baked chicken drumsticks side by side on a light gray plate.

Simple Ingredients - This recipe uses a blend of common seasonings from the pantry for the most flavorful results!
Crispy and Flavorful - These chicken legs crisp up beautifully in the oven thanks to a simple seasoning blend and high-heat baking.
Kid Approved - Drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken and are always a hit with the kids (especially when they can eat with their hands!).

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients (Full recipe located in recipe card below):

Baked chicken drumsticks recipe ingredients in various dishes on a white marble surface: chicken drumsticks, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley flakes, smoked paprika, ground mustard.

Chicken Drumsticks (legs)
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Smoked Parika
Dried Parsley Flakes
Ground Mustard

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit.

"415 F" being displayed in a white digital font on a black oven pane.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

To a large bowl, add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and dried parsley flakes. Stir until well blended.

Olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and dried parsley flakes added to a silver mixing bowl.

Olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and dried parsley flakes well blended into an olive oil seasoning mixture in a silver mixing bowl.

Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel.

Chicken drumsticks in a clear container being patted dry with a paper towel.

Add the chicken to the bowl with the seasoning and oil mixture. Toss until well coated.

Chicken drumsticks added to a silver bowl with an olive oil seasoning mixture.

Chicken drumsticks well coated in an olive oil seasoning mixture in a silver bowl.

Place the drumsticks on the prepared sheet pan, making sure they are not touching.

Chicken drumsticks well coated in an olive oil seasoning mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the skin is golden and crispy.

Baked chicken drumsticks on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy and serve with your favorite sides.

Baked chicken drumsticks neatly stacked on top of each other on a light gray plate.

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Drumsticks:

Crispy baked chicken drumsticks with a side of white rice on a light gray plate.

Recipe Variations And Substitutions:

BBQ: Brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5–10 minutes of baking. The sauce caramelizes in the oven and gives the chicken a sweet and smoky finish.
Switch Up the Seasonings: This recipe is super flexible! Try a lemon pepper blend, Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, or even a simple Italian herb mix. You can also add a touch of brown sugar to the seasoning blend for a hint of sweetness that helps with browning.

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Storage: Let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To keep the skin crispy, reheat drumsticks in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–6 minutes. You can microwave them in a pinch, but the skin won’t be as crisp.

Pro Tips:

Let the chicken drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after they come out of the oven. This will result in juicer drumsticks as the juices will have time to redistribute throughout the chicken.
Pat the chicken dry before tossing with olive oil and seasoning. This ensures the skin will get super crispy as it bakes.

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks