These crispy baked chicken drumsticks are a yummy treat! Coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, they are both tasty and easy to make at home. Plus, no frying mess to clean up!
I love how simple these drumsticks are. Just season, coat, bake, and enjoy! They make a great meal for family nights, and kids often can’t get enough of them. What’s not to love? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Drumsticks: I prefer using skin-on drumsticks for extra crispiness. Skin helps retain moisture during baking. You can use bone-in chicken thighs or wings if you like!
Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and helps the coating stick. If you’re out of Greek yogurt, buttermilk is a great substitute. It tenderizes the chicken nicely, too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you can use them, but the result might be a bit less crunchy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and helps with browning. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a similar cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your personal taste. Cajun seasoning or Italian herbs are delicious alternatives if you’re looking for a flavor twist.
How Do You Ensure the Drumsticks Stay Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture on baked drumsticks is all about technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Using a wire rack lifts the chicken off the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate and making them crispier all around.
- Drizzling olive oil or melted butter helps the breadcrumbs to brown nicely, boosting the crunch factor.
- Avoid overcrowding the drumsticks on the rack; give them space to breathe and crisp.
Remember to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness!
Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
For the Coating:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or buttermilk as an alternative)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 35-40 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes making these delicious drumsticks from start to finish. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
First, get your oven preheating to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and put a wire rack on top. This helps the heat circulate around the chicken, making them crispier.
2. Mix the Yogurt Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well mixed. This creamy mix will help the coating stick to the chicken.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will form the crispy outer layer!
4. Coat the Drumsticks:
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, dip each drumstick into the yogurt mixture, making sure it’s all fully coated.
5. Roll in Breadcrumbs:
Now it’s time for the crunchy part! Roll each coated drumstick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Once coated, place them on the prepared wire rack.
6. Add Some Oil:
To ensure those breadcrumbs get nice and crispy in the oven, drizzle or lightly brush olive oil or melted butter over each breaded drumstick.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the drumsticks into the oven for 35-40 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through cooking so they brown evenly. They are ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden and crispy.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take them out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving!
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, juicy baked breaded chicken drumsticks! They’re bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Drumsticks?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken drumsticks, be sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. The safest method is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: place the drumsticks in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can easily substitute it with buttermilk or regular yogurt. Both options will help keep the chicken moist and aid in making the coating stick beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the skin crispy!
Can I Make These Drumsticks Spicier?
Of course! You can add some heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference—just a pinch can go a long way!