Maria
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a quick and family-friendly delight, offering a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. While I wouldn’t label them as particularly nutritious, they definitely stand out for their crispy texture and delicious taste.
These Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a breeze to prepare, packed with flavor, and ensure moist and delightful chicken. Working with drumsticks is a joy for me because, besides being easy to cook, they bring a lot of flavor to the table. While I often use chicken breasts in my cooking, there’s a unanimous agreement that drumsticks boast even more savory goodness. What makes this dish even better is that it mainly relies on pantry staples, requiring you to purchase the chicken while likely having everything else readily available.
The Story of Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks:
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks tell a tale of satisfying cravings for crispy, flavorful chicken without the guilt of deep frying. This recipe offers a healthier approach, using the oven to achieve the perfect crispiness while preserving the natural juices of the chicken drumsticks. It’s a story of convenience and indulgence, inviting you to enjoy the classic taste of crispy chicken in a more wholesome way.
Why You Should Make this Recipe:
- Healthier Indulgence: Indulge in the crispy delight of chicken drumsticks without the excess oil, as they are baked to perfection for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
- Simple and Quick: Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Customizable Flavor: Season the drumsticks with your favorite herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking, creating a personalized and delicious chicken experience.
How to Serve:
Serving Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks is a delightful experience:
- Prepare the Drumsticks: Season the drumsticks with a blend of herbs, spices, and your preferred coating for a burst of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake until they achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon over the crispy drumsticks for a vibrant and zesty touch.
- Serve Hot: Present the Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks hot from the oven, allowing everyone to enjoy the satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness.
What Goes Well With this Recipe:
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Serve with classic dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Vegetable Medley: Pair with a colorful vegetable medley or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Potato Wedges: Enjoy alongside crispy potato wedges or oven-baked fries for a classic and satisfying combination.
Storage Info:
If there are any leftovers, here’s how to keep the Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks fresh:
- Cool Down: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
- Refrigerate: Store any remaining drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
- Reheat (Optional): If desired, reheat individual drumsticks in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Tips and Notes:
- Pat Dry: Ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly pat-dried before seasoning to promote crispiness during baking.
- Even Coating: Coat the drumsticks evenly with your preferred seasoning or breading for consistent flavor and texture.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate the drumsticks, allowing air circulation for an all-around crispiness.
“Enjoy the satisfaction of Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks—where the irresistible crunch meets the succulent juiciness of perfectly baked chicken, creating a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken.”
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 1/4 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Gently loosen the skin from the chicken using your thumb. Grab the skin with a dry paper towel and pull it off.
- In a shallow basin, combine the flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg and milk briskly to break up the egg.
- In a large ziplock bag, combine the bread crumbs, salt, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, followed by the egg mixture.
- Place the drumsticks in the zipper bag, seal it, and shake to coat the chicken.
- Pour the melted butter into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Turn the chicken in the dish to coat it with the butter.
- Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, then flip it over and bake for another 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through
Notes
- Pat Dry: Ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly pat-dried before seasoning to promote crispiness during baking.
- Even Coating: Coat the drumsticks evenly with your preferred seasoning or breading for consistent flavor and texture.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate the drumsticks, allowing air circulation for an all-around crispiness.
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