Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil until they're well coated.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and toss until evenly coated. Use your hands to really rub the seasonings into the skin.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other. This allows air to circulate for even cooking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Notes
Store leftover drumsticks in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're delicious cold or can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. For extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, but watch them carefully to prevent burning. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste - add some cayenne for heat or swap the thyme for rosemary or oregano.
