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Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Garlic Butter

crispy baked chicken drumsticks - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken drumsticks coated in a smoky paprika garlic butter sauce, delivering juicy meat and golden, flavorful skin without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900g), skin-on and bone-in
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove moisture for crispiness.
  3. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Rub this spice mix all over each drumstick, including under the skin where possible.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks spaced out on the wire rack to allow air circulation.
  5. Bake the drumsticks for 20 minutes at 425°F.
  6. While baking, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and an extra sprinkle of paprika.
  7. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush each piece liberally with the paprika garlic butter mixture.
  8. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even browning.
  9. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear when pierced.
  10. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Brushing the garlic butter twice (once halfway and once before serving) enhances flavor. If no wire rack is available, flip drumsticks halfway through baking to crisp both sides. Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken drumsticks, baked chicken, crispy chicken, paprika garlic butter, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, comfort food

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/crispy-baked-chicken-drumsticks-with-paprika-garlic-butter-easy-recipe/