Juicy Oven-Roasted Drumsticks (Print)

Oven-roasted chicken drumsticks seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices for tender, juicy results.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2.2 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Optional Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil; position a wire rack on top if available.
02 - Pat chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels to ensure optimal roasting.
03 - Combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a large bowl.
04 - Add the drumsticks to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat evenly on all sides.
05 - Place the marinated drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
06 - Cook in the oven for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Remove from oven, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These taste restaurant-quality but require almost no skill, just a hot oven and confidence.
  • The spice blend is forgiving enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough to satisfy adventurous palates.
  • Leftovers stay juicy even cold, making them perfect for next-day lunches.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting step, even though it's tempting to dig in immediately; those five minutes make the meat noticeably juicier.
  • If your oven runs cool, your drumsticks might need 45 minutes instead of 35, so trust your thermometer over the timer.
  • Wire racks aren't just fancy; they genuinely change the texture by preventing the undersides from steaming in their own juices.
03 -
  • Bring your drumsticks to room temperature for fifteen minutes before roasting so they cook more evenly and brown better.
  • If you notice one side browning faster than the other, rotate your baking sheet front to back, not the drumsticks themselves.

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