Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (4 Flavors!)

chicken drumsticks

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken wings

Skinless thighs reduce fat, while wings are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds flavor without extra calories, while cayenne is often cheaper.

black pepper

🥗Healthier: white pepper

💰Cheaper: black peppercorns

White pepper provides a different flavor profile, while whole black peppercorns can be ground as needed.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly grease a baking sheet with sides to prevent juices from spilling.

Line up the chicken drumsticks directly on the pan, pulling the skin tight to cover the meat.

Trim any excess skin from the drumsticks if necessary.

For the basic chicken rub, combine 2 teaspoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl.

Stir the seasoning mix together and sprinkle it directly onto the chicken drumsticks, rubbing it in on both sides.

Top each drumstick with a 1/2 tablespoon dab of butter.

For the zesty tex-mex style, combine 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves in a bowl.

Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over some of the chicken pieces, then sprinkle on the tex-mex seasoning mix, rubbing it in to coat the chicken.

Top each piece with a dab of butter.

For the cajun seasoning, combine 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Sprinkle the cajun seasoning over the chicken drumsticks and top with a dab of butter.

For the tikka masala curry rub, combine 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Optionally squeeze lemon juice over the chicken, or add the tikka masala rub directly to the drumsticks, adjusting the amount of spices to taste.

Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: