Easy Everyday Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Eight chicken drumsticks are coated in a simple paste of olive oil and spices (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a little cayenne). They bake uncovered at 400°F for about 40 minutes until they reach 165°F inside, then get basted with the pan juices and served right away. It's a low-effort weeknight dish with one bowl, one pan, and no marinating.
Equipment
- 1 Rimmed baking sheet
- Medium bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prep the pan: Line the baking sheet with parchment and arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.
- Make the paste: In the bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne with a fork or spatula.
- Coat the chicken: Use a pastry brush or your hands to cover the drumsticks with the paste.
- Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Measure with the thermometer without touching the bone.
- Baste the drumsticks with the pan juices using a clean pastry brush.
- Serve immediately.
