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These baked chicken drumsticks come out with crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sweet-heat maple Dijon glaze that caramelizes in the oven. They’re baked instead of fried, making them an easy weeknight dinner that still feels a little special.
This baked chicken drumsticks recipe starts with a simple spice rub, then finishes with a maple Dijon glaze and a bright citrus herb drizzle. The result is flavorful chicken drumsticks in the oven with crispy skin and sticky caramelized edges.
If you enjoy cooking drumsticks different ways, you might also like my air fryer chicken drumsticks for extra crispy skin, marinated chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for a juicy marinade-based version, or BBQ oven baked chicken drumsticks for a saucy sweet-smoky dinner without using the grill.
Why These Are the Best Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These are the best oven baked chicken drumsticks because they combine a few simple techniques that create crispy skin and bold flavor.
- High oven heat: Baking at 425°F helps the skin turn crispy while the inside stays juicy.
- No frying needed: These oven baked chicken drumsticks get great texture right in the oven.
- Layered flavor: The spice rub, maple Dijon glaze, and citrus herb drizzle add flavor at different stages.
- Great leftovers: These easy baked chicken drumsticks reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This baked chicken drumsticks recipe uses simple ingredients that build flavor in layers. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
For the Chicken
- Chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds): Use raw drumsticks and pat them dry before seasoning so the skin crisps in the oven.
- Avocado oil: Helps the spices stick and encourages browning.
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika: Adds smoky flavor and color.
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Maple Dijon Glaze
- Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup gives the best flavor.
- Dijon mustard
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce
- Red pepper flakes: Optional if you want a little heat.
Citrus Herb Drizzle
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped.
- Flaky salt: optional
How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These oven baked chicken drumsticks come together with a few simple steps.
Season the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with avocado oil and the spices until evenly coated.
Arrange the Drumsticks
Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. For crispier skin, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the drumsticks on the rack in a single layer with space between them.
Bake the Drumsticks
Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 175–185°F. You can start checking for doneness and your preferred browning and crisping at the 35 minute mark.
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Add the Maple Dijon Glaze
Brush the glaze over the drumsticks during the last 8–10 minutes of baking. If you want extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely so the glaze doesn’t burn.
Finish and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Right before serving, drizzle the drumsticks with the citrus herb mixture.
How Long to Bake Chicken Drumsticks
Most baked chicken drumsticks take about 35–45 minutes at 425°F. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the drumsticks and your oven.
General cooking guide:
- 425°F: 35–45 minutes
- 400°F: 40–50 minutes
Chicken drumsticks are best when cooked to an internal temperature of 175–185°F, which keeps the meat tender while the skin stays crispy. You should also be sure to bake the drumsticks in a single layer with space between them so they roast instead of steam.
Pro Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Pat the chicken dry: This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Leave space between drumsticks so they roast instead of steam.
- Use a wire rack if possible: Air circulation helps the drumsticks crisp evenly.
- Let them rest before serving: Resting helps the juices settle.
What to Serve With Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks in the oven pair well with simple sides. Serve them with:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Cauliflower mash
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Grilled zucchini or air fryer zucchini
- Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cooked drumsticks can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to crisp the skin again.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap maple syrup for honey
- Use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon
- Add hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat
- Swap the seasoning: Instead of the spice blend in this recipe, try poultry seasoning, rotisserie chicken seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Creole seasoning for a different flavor.
- Finish with crumbled goat cheese after the citrus drizzle
Other Ways to Cook Chicken Drumsticks
If you enjoy this baked chicken drumsticks recipe, you might also like these other drumstick recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Marinated Chicken Drumsticks (Air Fryer)
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
FAQs
Most oven baked chicken drumsticks take 35–45 minutes at 425°F, depending on their size.
Chicken drumsticks are best when cooked to 175–185°F, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Pat the chicken dry, bake at a higher oven temperature, and leave space between the drumsticks so they roast instead of steam.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
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Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ¼ lbs Chicken Drumsticks, about 6-8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
Maple-Dijon Glaze:
- 2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup, or honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Coconut Aminos, or soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, optional, but add some nice heat
Citrus Herb Drizzle:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice, fresh
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/8 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt, just a pinch
Instructions
Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven 425F.
- Prep the drumsticks: Pat the drumsticks completely dry. This is the secret to crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, mix the spices and oil. Toss chicken in the spices and oil until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. For extra crispy skin, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and set the drumsticks on the rack.
- Arrange in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 175℉-185℉.
Make the Glaze
- While the chicken cooks, mix the glaze ingredients. Brush the glaze over the drumsticks during the last 8-10 minutes of baking. If you want that caramelized finish, turn the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on them so the glaze doesn’t burn.
Finish with the Drizzle
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. While the chicken rests, Mix the citrus herb drizzle ingredients.
- Drizzle with the citrus herb drizzle right before serving.
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Recipe Notes
- Pat the chicken dry: This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Leave space between drumsticks so they roast instead of steam.
- Use a wire rack if possible: Air circulation helps the drumsticks crisp evenly.
- Let them rest before serving: Resting helps the juices settle.
- Swap maple syrup for honey
- Use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon
- Add hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat
- Swap the seasoning: Instead of the spice blend in this recipe, try poultry seasoning, rotisserie chicken seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Creole seasoning for a different flavor.
- Finish with crumbled goat cheese after the citrus drizzle
Nutrition Details
The nutrition facts come from entering the recipe ingredients into Spoonacular API, a database of food ingredients. They may vary for any recipe based on the exact product used.
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