Food and Recipes Meat Chicken Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks 4.4 (5) 5 Reviews The easiest way to make great chicken for dinner. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 21, 2024 Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about the Southern Living Test Kitchen Rate PRINT Share Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 8 to 10 Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are the perfect weeknight meal to whip up when you just don't know what to make. Succulent and tender with a crisp, herb-infused exterior, chicken drumsticks require very little effort, are always satisfying, and pair nicely with a variety of side dishes. For the easiest and best way to make great baked chicken, this is the recipe you need. To get started, thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then coat them with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. We like to add a little fresh chopped rosemary as well, but you can substitute fresh thyme or oregano. Bake the chicken on a wire rack on an aluminum-foil-lined sheet pan so that hot air can circulate, creating crispy skin on all sides of the chicken. Once the chicken is browned and cooked to the right temperature, serve the drumsticks hot with your favorite sides, and consider dinner won. Antonis Achilleos Ingredients for Baked Chicken Drumsticks To make these drumsticks, you'll need: Skin-on chicken legs: Skin helps keep the chicken moist while cooking and bakes up crisp.Olive oil: For coating the chicken for even browning.Kosher salt: To season the chicken.Black pepper: For a hint of peppery spice.Fresh rosemary: Infuses the chicken with flavor; can be substituted with other types of herbs, including fresh thyme or oregano.Cooking spray: To keep the drumsticks from sticking to the baking rack. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster How To Make Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven Low effort and high reward, this chicken comes together with very little prep. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat chicken legs dry. Toss with olive oil. Stir to combine salt, pepper, and rosemary. Toss with chicken to coat.Step 2. Line a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil, and spray with cooking spray. Set a wire rack in pan. Arrange chicken in a single layer on rack.Step 3. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the leg registers 165°F, 35 to 40 minutes. Rest 5 minutes; serve warm. Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks For the juiciest oven-baked chicken drumsticks, keep these tips in mind: Dry thoroughly: Pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can keep the skin from crisping properly.High temperature: Baking at 425°F means a deep, golden brown exterior, with a juicy, tender interior.Use a rack: Allows for hot air to circulate around the drumsticks, leaving no spot soggy or underdone.Bake to temperature: The easiest way to know if your chicken is properly cooked is by taking its temperature. When the thickest portion of the leg registers 165°F, they're ready to serve.Let the chicken rest: Let the meat rest to allow juices to redistribute before serving. What To Serve with Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks The beauty of baked chicken drumsticks is that they pair well with just about anything, whether it's a simple salad, casserole, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. Here are some classic sides to serve alongside: Garlic bread Cornbread Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Mashed Potatoes Skillet Mac and Cheese Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans Baked Beans Coleslaw Potato Salad How To Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Drumsticks Refrigerate leftover chicken wrapped or in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze up to three months. Reheat (thawed) drumsticks in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired to crisp up the skin. Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Ingredients 10 skin-on chicken legs (about 4 lbs.) 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary Cooking spray Directions Season chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F. Dry chicken legs thoroughly with paper towels. Toss together chicken legs and olive oil in a large bowl. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Stir together salt, pepper, and rosemary in a small bowl. Sprinkle salt mixture over chicken legs, and toss to coat. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Place chicken on sheet pan: Line a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil, and spray with cooking spray. Set a wire rack in prepared pan. Arrange chicken legs in a single layer on wire rack. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Bake chicken: Bake in preheated oven until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken leg registers 165°F, 35 to 40 minutes. Let chicken stand 5 minutes. Serve warm. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Frequently Asked Questions Can I change the type of seasoning used for these drumsticks? You can season the drumsticks with any fresh herbs or spices that you prefer, and follow the cooking procedure as directed. Will this recipe work with chicken thighs? You can substitute the chicken drumsticks for thighs. You may need to adjust the quantity of the seasonings and the baking time depending on the quantity and size of the thighs. What can I do with leftover chicken drumsticks? If reheating drumsticks isn't your jam, you can shred the meat from the bones and make bone broth, and use the leftover chicken for salads, quesadillas, nachos, wraps, and more. Rate It Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Follow us Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more