BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
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These crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside perfectly baked chicken legs are the best low-carb dinner you can quickly put on the table. Comes with the recipe for a delicious homemade spice rub.
This simple recipe makes perfectly seasoned, juiciest, and crispiest chicken drumsticks! You’re going to love this one. It is so easy that anybody can make it.
I usually do not roast a whole chicken because everyone is after the legs anyway. Instead, I make these perfectly baked drumsticks loved by all.
Legs are an inexpensive cut of the chicken meat and cook very easily. With a perfectly flavored spice rub, they make the best grilled or baked meat. All you need to do is massage the drumsticks well with the marinade and pop them in the oven. They will bake in no time and stay extremely tender and juicy. The high heat makes the skin nice and crispy and the insides succulent and juicy for a perfectly baked drumstick. All this in a mere 25-30 minutes!
ABOUT THE RECIPE
The baked chicken drumsticks make an ideal dinner for the family on a busy weeknight and kids love it too!
I think the best thing about this recipe is the fact that chicken legs are so inexpensive and offer an incredible flavor, and the rest of the ingredients needed for this dish are probably already there in your pantry.
The homemade spice rub combined with the other ingredients brings out a melange of sweet, salty, and zesty flavor, with a hint of garlic that you will love.
The perfectly baked chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside and smooth inside. So, how do you ensure that your oven baked chicken legs turn out perfectly each and every time? Here are some tips:
- Dry the drumsticks. Pat dry the drumsticks to get rid of any extra moisture before marinating. This helps get the skin crispy.
- Use a baking rack. It is important for the chicken legs to get cooked uniformly. Using a baking rack allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken legs cooking them evenly.
- Season generously. The secret to making perfectly baked chicken drumsticks lies in the spice rub. In order to get the best flavor, it is advisable to season the chicken legs and let them rest for some time to infuse the flavors.
For this recipe, I have used a homemade spice rub that I prepare in bulk and store in airtight containers. This spice rub is so versatile that it can be used in any kind of meat, fish, seafood, or even veggies.
RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE SPICE RUB
In a bowl combine the following:
Dried Basil
Dried Thyme
Dried Rosemary
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Dried Lemon peel
Tumeric
Paprika
Sugar
Salt
Mix everything well, and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The flavor is retained for almost a month if stored properly.
INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Chicken Drumsticks - For the best results, use fresh drumsticks. This recipe is for a pound of chicken drumsticks. Scale it up as needed.
Spices and Condiments - Homemade spice rub, soy sauce, lemon juice, freshly crushed black pepper, brown sugar, and salt.
Olive oil for baking.
HOW TO MAKE IT?
Baking the perfect chicken drumsticks is just a 2-step process:
Preparation: In a large bowl, combine spice rub, soy sauce, lemon juice, freshly crushed black pepper, brown sugar, oil, and salt. Add drumsticks and massage to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate and let marinate at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Baking: Preheat oven to 425F. Place chicken on a baking rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F. Place a tray at the bottom to collect the drippings.
VARIATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Chicken Drumstick Dark Meat?
The wings, thighs, and drumsticks are dark meat in chicken, and usually, they have a more tender and juicier texture than white meat.
How do I ensure that baked chicken legs are not dry?
A good marinade is key to making the juiciest baked chicken legs. Olive oil will keep the chicken moist as well as help the chicken carry the flavors. Make sure to thoroughly massage the chicken with the spices and olive oil. Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade, for at least half an hour to make a difference.
What can I do if I do not have a baking rack?
Baking on a rack ensures that chicken legs are cooked evenly. If you do not have one, make sure to flip the chicken midway through the baking process, which will help them crisp up more and cook more evenly.
Should I bake the chicken legs covered or uncovered?
I recommend cooking them uncovered so that the chicken skin can get nice and crispy, crunchy.
Can I cook the chicken legs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook them in a slow cooker. Place all of the marinated chicken legs at the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken legs. Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Slow cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pieces of chicken register 165F on a thermometer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them one night in advance. Prepare the chicken and allow it to marinate in the fridge overnight, that way, it will be ready to bake the next day.
Make sure to take it out of the fridge for a bit before baking so that it is not too cold and cooks more evenly.
STORING SUGGESTIONS
If you have leftovers, cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks, place them in a freezer bag and put them in for up to 4 months. Thaw before reheating and enjoy!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
If you are trying to keep it light, serve these with a side of sauteed vegetables or a simple green salad. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of tangy tzatziki dip.
Other popular sides that go well with baked chicken drumsticks are mashed potatoes, baked beans, or Cucumber Raita.
If you are looking for something more wholesome that is easy to make to go along with your chicken, try these out:
Jeweled Pilaf
BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp homemade spice rub
- salt to taste
- 4 chicken drumsticks (about 1 lb)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine spice rub, soy sauce, lemon juice, freshly crushed black pepper, brown sugar, oil, and salt.
- Add drumsticks and massage to coat thoroughly.
- Refrigerate and let marinate at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Place chicken on a baking rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F. Place a tray at the bottom to collect the drippings.
Notes:
- If not using a baking rack, flip the drumsticks midway through the baking process for even cooking.
- Marinate longer for better results.
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