Baked Chicken Drumsticks at 400 (Best Recipe!)
Updated Apr 14, 2025, Published Nov 27, 2023
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Baked Chicken Drumsticks – These are the best-baked chicken drumsticks! My cooking method always delivers crispy, golden brown, and super tender chicken. A delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s simple and flavorful for busy weeknights. Serve with Crispy Potatoes or a simple Pear and Gorgonzola Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken drumsticks or legs are always on sale at my local grocery store! I wanted to create a staple recipe that I could make on repeat and adjust the seasoning to vary the flavor profile. The whole family will love this easy and delicious meal.
“We had this for a quick Sunday dinner today and we LOVED it! Thank you for sharing! Lori from Texas!
– Lori
More recipes you will love: how long to roast a whole chicken, how long to bake chicken breast at 425, Baked Chicken Leg Quarters, and Best Chicken Thighs.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: These are the primary protein source for the dish. Chicken drumsticks are flavorful and juicy meat cuts from the chicken leg’s lower part. These are also called chicken drumsticks, not to be confused with chicken wings, or the whole leg and thigh piece together.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the chicken drumsticks and helps in browning and crisping up the skin during baking. It also adds a pleasant, mild flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a dried, powdered form of garlic.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder is a dried, powdered form of onions. It contributes a subtle onion flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Paprika: Paprika is a spice made from ground dried peppers and adds a mild, smoky flavor and a reddish color to the chicken.
- Dried Thyme: Dried thyme is an herb that provides an earthy, slightly minty flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano is an herb with a robust, aromatic flavor. It adds a Mediterranean touch to the seasoning blend.
- Salt: Salt helps to draw moisture out of the chicken skin, making it crispy when baked.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and pungency to the seasoning mix.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations
There are many ways to customize the baked chicken drumsticks recipe and experiment with different ways and flavors to suit your preferences.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Prepare a glaze by mixing honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Baste the chicken drumsticks with the honey mustard glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Zest and juice a lemon and mix it with olive oil, fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and minced garlic. Coat the drumsticks with this lemon herb mixture for a fresh and citrusy flavor.
How To Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy. If there’s excess skin or fat, you can trim it off.
Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning paste. Use your hands or a pastry brush to massage the seasoning evenly onto each drumstick, ensuring they are well coated.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe baking dish with aluminum foil, or parchment paper, or add a bit of cooking spray or oil. Optional: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate the drumsticks, helping them cook evenly and become crispy.
Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks in an even layer, leaving space between each. This helps the heat circulate the drumsticks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the skin is crispy. Enjoy!
Why Baking Chicken Drumsticks at 400 is the Best Temperature
Baking chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) is the right temperature choice for several reasons:
- Balanced Cooking: 400 degrees Fahrenheit provides a good balance between cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and achieving a crispy and golden brown skin. The high heat helps the skin become crispy while allowing the meat to cook evenly.
- Shorter Cooking Time: Baking at 400°F allows for a shorter cooking time than lower temperatures, which is convenient for busy home cooks. The chicken drumsticks can be ready in around 35-45 minutes, depending on their size.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: While the higher temperature helps crisp up the skin, it also helps retain the moisture within the meat, leading to juicy and tender chicken drumsticks. Cooking at too low a temperature for an extended time can result in dry meat.
Storing and Reheating
Storage- Refrigerate: Let drumsticks cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Freeze: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2–3 months. Remove excess air and label with the date.
Reheating- Oven (best for crispy skin): Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot and crisp. Microwave (quickest): Heat on medium in 30-second increments until warmed through (1–2 mins). Air Fryer (great texture): Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Air fry 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway.
Top Tips for Best Results
- Use a Thermometer: Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C)—juicy and safe.
- Pat Dry First: Dry skin = crispy skin.
- Marinate: Even just a few hours boosts flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Broil to Finish: Crisp the skin under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Let It Rest: Rest a few minutes before serving for juicy results.
- Add Fresh Flavor: Top with herbs or citrus for brightness.
- Play with Spices: Mix up the seasoning to suit your style.
FAQ’s
Baking times for chicken drumsticks can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your specific oven, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer.
General guidelines for baking chicken drumsticks at different temperatures:
Baking Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes.
Baking Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.
Baking Temperature: 425°F (220°C)
Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes.
Baking Temperature: 450°F (230°C)
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding contact with the bone. You can increase or decrease the baking time slightly depending on whether you want your chicken drumsticks to be more tender (longer cooking time) or crisper (shorter cooking time).
It’s recommended to use thawed chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Cooking frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking, and it may take significantly longer to cook. You must increase the cooking time by 50% (according to FDA).
While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine doneness, you can also check for doneness by cutting into one of the drumsticks. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink near the bone. However, using a thermometer is recommended for the best results.
To achieve extra crispy skin, you can start by patting the chicken drumsticks very dry before applying the seasoning. You can also place the seasoned drumsticks on a wire rack set on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with oven-baked chicken drumsticks:
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Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks skin on, about 2 lbs.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, adjust to taste
- Garnish: Sliced lemons and freshly chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy. If there's excess skin or fat, you can trim it off.
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
- Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the seasoning paste. Use your hands or a pastry brush to massage the seasoning evenly onto each drumstick, ensuring they are well coated.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe baking dish with aluminum foil, or parchment paper, or add a bit of cooking spray or oil. Optional: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate the drumsticks, helping them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks in an even layer, leaving space between each. This helps the heat circulate around the drumsticks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your drumsticks. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Place the instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to check it.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Spoon the pan juices over the drumsticks just before serving.
- Optional Garnish: You can garnish the baked chicken drumsticks with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can result in dry meat.
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, use paper towels to pat dry the chicken drumsticks thoroughly. Dry chicken skin crisps up better during baking, resulting in a better texture.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
- Crispy Skin Finish: To make sure the skin is crispy, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked chicken drumsticks to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs or Citrus: Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives, or a squeeze of citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange) to brighten up the flavors.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, spices, and herbs to create unique flavor profiles. The options are endless, and you can tailor the dish to your preferences.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! Family loved it. Thanks for the recipe 💜
Happy everyone loved it! It’s a great one to make on rotation.
We had this for a quick Sunday dinner today and we LOVED it! Thank you for sharing! Lori from Texas!
Hi Lori! Happy you loved them. They are easy and loved by all.
Easy, quick and delicious!
Happy you loved it!
We used thighs instead of legs, because it’s what we had on hand. The meat was flavorful and juicy; the skin was crispy. We will make this again. A+ Elena. Thank you.
Yumm! Sounds great. I’m happy you loved them.