Name: Crispy & Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) Chicken Drumsticks: Skin-on, bone-in for flavor and crispiness.; 500 ml (2 cups) Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken.; 1 tsp (5 g) Kosher Salt (for brine): Enhances flavor.; ½ tsp (2 g) Black Pepper (for brine): Adds warmth.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Helps coating adhere.; 3 tbsp (30 g) All-Purpose Flour: Coating base.; 3 tbsp (30 g) Cornstarch: For extra crunch.; ½ tsp (2 g) Baking Powder: Adds lift to coating.; 1 tsp (6 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoky flavor.; 1 tsp (6 g) Sweet Paprika: Color and mild flavor.; 1 tsp (6 g) Garlic Powder: Savory flavor.; 1 tsp (6 g) Onion Powder: Adds depth.; ½ tsp (2 g) Ground Cumin: Earthy warmth.; 1 tsp (≈1 tsp) Lemon Zest: Brightens flavors.; ½ tsp (2 g) Sea Salt (final seasoning): Enhances flavor.; ¼ tsp (1 g) Black Pepper (final seasoning): Bolder pepper flavor.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: Extra-crispy coating.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Parsley: Garnish.; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Lemon Juice: Zesty finish.; 1 tsp (5 g) Sumac (optional): Tangy garnish.

Description

These oven-baked chicken drumsticks deliver a crispy, golden-brown exterior and unbelievably juicy interior. A simple buttermilk brine and flavorful coating make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

1.2 kg (2.6 lb) Chicken Drumsticks: Skin-on, bone-in for flavor and crispiness.
500 ml (2 cups) Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken.
1 tsp (5 g) Kosher Salt (for brine): Enhances flavor.
½ tsp (2 g) Black Pepper (for brine): Adds warmth.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Helps coating adhere.
3 tbsp (30 g) All-Purpose Flour: Coating base.
3 tbsp (30 g) Cornstarch: For extra crunch.
½ tsp (2 g) Baking Powder: Adds lift to coating.
1 tsp (6 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoky flavor.
1 tsp (6 g) Sweet Paprika: Color and mild flavor.
1 tsp (6 g) Garlic Powder: Savory flavor.
1 tsp (6 g) Onion Powder: Adds depth.
½ tsp (2 g) Ground Cumin: Earthy warmth.
1 tsp (≈1 tsp) Lemon Zest: Brightens flavors.
½ tsp (2 g) Sea Salt (final seasoning): Enhances flavor.
¼ tsp (1 g) Black Pepper (final seasoning): Bolder pepper flavor.
2 tbsp (30 g) Panko Breadcrumbs: Extra-crispy coating.
2 tbsp (30 g) Parsley: Garnish.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Lemon Juice: Zesty finish.
1 tsp (5 g) Sumac (optional): Tangy garnish.

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Instructions

Brine Chicken: Combine buttermilk, salt, and pepper; submerge drumsticks for 2-4 hours.
Prep Oven & Rack: Preheat to 220°C (425°F); line a baking sheet with parchment and a wire rack.
Dry & Oil: Pat drumsticks dry; drizzle with olive oil.
Make Coating: Whisk flour, cornstarch, spices, and lemon zest.
Coat Drumsticks: Dredge in flour mixture, then roll in panko.
Arrange & Bake: Place on rack, spray with oil; bake 20 minutes, flip, and bake 15-20 more.
Rest & Plate: Rest 5 minutes; drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley and sumac.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, ensure the drumsticks are completely dry before coating and use a wire rack for baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Poultry
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 drumsticks
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg