These Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are packed with bold flavors and crispy skin, thanks to a homemade seasoning blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs. Perfectly baked in the oven, these juicy and spicy chicken legs make for an easy, hands-off dinner. Serve them with your favorite rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 lbs chicken drumsticks
3 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
¼ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp dried oregano

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, mix salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken and toss well to coat evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Arrange chicken legs in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 27g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 450mg

Why You’ll Love These Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

This easy, one-pan recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, crispy textures, and minimal cleanup. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Super Crispy Skin Without Frying – Baking the drumsticks at a high temperature locks in moisture while crisping up the skin beautifully.
Packed with Bold Flavors – A smoky, spicy, and garlicky seasoning mix infuses the chicken with rich flavors in every bite.
Easy and Hands-Off Cooking – Simply season the chicken, pop it in the oven, and let it bake to perfection.
High in Protein & Low in Carbs – A great keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb meal option.
Budget-Friendly – Chicken drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, making this an economical meal for families.
Meal-Prep Friendly – These drumsticks store well and can be reheated easily for quick lunches and dinners.

The Secret to Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Achieving crispy, golden-brown skin in the oven is all about proper preparation and baking techniques. Here’s how to make sure your drumsticks come out crispy every time:

Pat the Chicken Dry Before Seasoning – Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick better and ensures a crispier texture.
Use a High Oven Temperature – Baking at 400°F (200°C) or higher allows the skin to crisp up beautifully.
Space the Drumsticks Apart – Placing them too close together traps steam, preventing crispiness. Arrange them in a single layer with space in between.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking – This ensures even browning on all sides.
Use a Wire Rack (Optional) – Elevating the chicken on a baking rack allows heat to circulate underneath, making the skin extra crispy.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

This recipe has a kick of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste:

Mild Version – Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika.
Medium Heat – Keep the cayenne pepper at ¼ teaspoon for a subtle spice.
Extra Spicy – Increase the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Buffalo-Style – Toss the baked drumsticks in Buffalo sauce for an extra zesty, spicy kick.

Serving Ideas – What to Pair with Spicy Baked Drumsticks

These crispy, flavorful drumsticks are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some great serving ideas:

With Rice or Quinoa – Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to balance the spice.
With Roasted Vegetables – Try them with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a nutritious meal.
Over a Fresh Salad – Place them over a bed of greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a lighter meal.
With Classic Comfort Sides – Pair with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or mac & cheese for a comforting dinner.
With Cooling Dips – Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or garlic yogurt sauce to balance out the heat.

Make It a Meal – Complete Dinner Ideas

For a well-rounded meal, here’s how to serve these drumsticks:

Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks + Garlic Butter Rice + Roasted Broccoli
Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks + Mashed Sweet Potatoes + Coleslaw
Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks + Caesar Salad + Baked Potatoes
Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks + Corn on the Cob + Mac & Cheese

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These drumsticks store and reheat well, making them great for meal prep or quick leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, but note that this may soften the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes! This spice blend works well on thighs, wings, or even whole chicken legs. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Marinate the drumsticks in the olive oil and seasoning blend for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika for a milder flavor or chipotle powder for an extra smoky taste.

How do I make these drumsticks in an air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make these drumsticks less oily?
Yes! Reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon or use a light spray of cooking oil for a lower-fat option.

Conclusion

These Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of heat, crispiness, and juiciness, making them a must-try for spice lovers. With a bold blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs, these oven-baked drumsticks deliver huge flavor with minimal effort.

Unlike deep-fried chicken, this healthier baked version keeps the chicken juicy inside while creating a perfectly crispy skin. Plus, with easy preparation, meal-prep potential, and budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners, meal planning, or serving at gatherings.

Pair these flavor-packed drumsticks with your favorite rice, salad, or roasted veggies, and enjoy a filling, protein-rich meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Try them today, and let the bold flavors speak for themselves!

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