How to Make Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
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Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Oven An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free,…

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An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Oven

An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free! Add salt, pepper, and bouillon seasoning to your preference.

How long to oven bake chicken drumsticks would depend on the size of the drumsticks and how crisp they are. Typically, I bake drumsticks between 35 – 45 minutes at 425F.

An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

Why You Will Love These Oven-baked Chicken Drumsticks:

There are several reasons to love these tasty dreamy drummies! Even though I use my air fryer a lot, these marinated oven-roasted chicken are phenomenal!

  • Healthy; it’s oven-baked hello!
  • Perfect for Barbecue drumstick need.
  • Will satisfy your fried drumstick craving,
  • Insanely delicious sticky Chicken (from the cornstarch)
  • Make these for roasted or stewed chicken drumstick when desire. Whatever you are longing for, you are at the right place.
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free chicken recipe.
  • Full of yumminess and deliciousness without the extra unwanted added calories.

Bottom line: I know you want quick and easy chicken drumsticks, so do I; as well as healthier, and nutritious, so do I too. And that makes both of us, and am sure these oven-baked chicken drumsticks will not disappoint. Woohoo!

An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks:

  • Fresh Chicken Drumsticks (or frozen but thawed drumsticks)
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Chicken Bouillon seasoning powder or 1 Maggi cube (crushed
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • White or black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper (for an extra spicy kick)
  • Olive oil
  • Dried rosemary (optional)
  • Fresh Parsley (optional; for garnishing)
chicken drumsticks, paprika, olive oil, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch.

How to Make Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks (step-by-step):

I love to create recipes that are easy, delicious, healthy and family favorite such as these oven-baked chicken drumsticks.

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat the oven to 425. It is essential to preheat the oven before placing the drumsticks in the oven to cook.

  2. Season the Chicken Drumsticks

    Mix the entire dry rub except for the oil. Place clean chicken in a big clean bowl, and liberally sprinkle the rub on the chicken. While wearing gloves or using clean hands, combine the ingredients. Then sprinkle the oil on top and mix again, ensuring the mix gets on every part of the chicken drumstick.Place clean chicken in a big clean bowl, and liberally sprinkle the rub on the chicken. While wearing gloves or using clean hands, combine the ingredients.

  3. Place Marinated Chicken Drumsticks on Sheet Pan & Bake!

    Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a (foil-lined) baking sheet and place them in a 425 degrees already preheated oven. Bake drumsticks for 35 – 45 minutes (or until the drumsticks are cooked through or the internal thermometer reads 165, set aside to cool.) You may flip the drumstick midway through baking to ensure even baking. I usually do not flip the chicken.Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a (foil-lined) baking sheet and place them in a 425 degrees already preheated oven. Bake drumsticks for 35 – 45 minutes (or until the drumsticks are cooked through or the internal thermometer reads 165, set aside to cool.)

  4. Serve Baked Chicken Drumsticks with preferred Sides.

    Serve with whatever you choose or eat them as it is. Green bean, cabbage, basmati Jollof, and quinoa Jollof all make great sides with these healthy oven-baked chicken drumsticks.An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

Best Sides that Go with Oven-Baked Drummies.

Nigerian Fried Rice.

For the folks at the back, this is one fried rice recipe you want in your arsenal; it is easy to cook, colorful, flavorful, and will leave you with an unforgettable experience! The best part is that you can serve this recipe with anything – chicken, fish, tofu!


Easy Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce.

A simple and easy recipe for air fryer green beans with garlic butter sauce requires only a few ingredients; fresh green beans, onions powder, salt, pepper, avocado oil as well a drizzle of garlicky, buttery sauce! Air fried garlic green beans are easy, quick, tender, crisp, deliciously delightful, and perfect with any main dish. P.s. I love it with salmon! This air fryer fried green beans recipe cooks in less than 10 minutes in the air fryer (well, obviously)! But we don't stop there; I take it a little further with my garlic butter sauce. #airfryergreenbeans #greenbeans #garlicsauce #airfryerrecipe


Braised Red Cabbage with Apples.

Super easy healthy braised red cabbage with apples and red onions is the best side dish ever! It's savory, sweet, a little sour, tangy, and wonderfully complements every main dish. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, keto – friendly and packed with flavorful herbs and spices. Look no further for a fabulous + tasty, healthy side you need for the holidays especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, it comes together so quickly! #Cabbage #Braisedcabbage #healthysidedish #side


Party-Style Nigerian Basmati Jollof Rice.

Insanely delicious party-style Nigerian basmati Jollof rice is the only Jollof rice recipe you need. The fusion of basmati rice with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, curry, thyme, bay leaves, and other herbs/spices makes this party Jollof absolutely flavorful and tasty! The best part about making basmati Jollof rice is that it takes no time to cook. Amazingly, you can further cut down on this cooking time by making the sauce or base ahead of time. Call family and friends, let’s gather for this authentic crowd-pleasing party-style Jollof rice recipe! #Jollofrice #Africanfood #Nigerianfood #PartyJollofrice #NigerianJollofrice #BasmatiJollofrice #Jollof

NOTES/TIPS:

  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reads 165.
  • You can use any other seasoning you like; however, if you want these dreamy drummies, I suggest doing exactly what I did. 
  • Do not cook the drumsticks for up to 45 minutes if they are smaller. Also, if you wish for them to be juicy and moist and not dry, then do not cook them up for 45 minutes, either. However, ensure they are fully cooked. Keep your eyes on the chicken and cook them to your crispness. I cooked these for exactly 35 minutes!
  • YOU CAN NOT EAT RARE CHICKEN; undercooked chicken is not safe.
  • See the short video; I divided the oil and added it before and after the seasoning.
  • Add salt and pepper to your preference.
  • Paprika gives this recipe the vibrant rich color.
An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!
When I say “this is the only chicken drumstick recipe you need,” am serious. This recipe is E V E R Y T H I N G – moist, yum, colorful and more!

With that said let’s begin, if you are ready.

How to Make Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks (step-by-step):

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An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

How to Make Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Universal
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

This recipe hands down is the best way to enjoy chicken drumstick that you love without the feeling of guilt. The good old chicken drumsticks, seasoned and baked up in the oven – YUM.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium size drumsticks

Chicken dry rub ingredients:

  • 1 tipping tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tsp. of onion powder
  • ½ tsp. of garlic powder
  • 1 tipping tsp. of Knorr chicken bouillon seasoning powder or 1 Maggi cube (crushed)
  • 1 tsp. of cornstarch
  • ¼–½ tsp. of salt (add salt to preference)
  • ¼ tsp. of ground white or black pepper
  • A dash of crushed red pepper for extra spicy kick
  • A dash of dried rosemary
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil (I use 2 TBS.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven. Preheat the oven to 425. It is essential to preheat the oven before placing the drumsticks in the oven to cook. 
  2. Season the Chicken Drumsticks. Mix the entire dry rub except for the oil. Place clean chicken in a big clean bowl, and liberally sprinkle the rub on the chicken. While wearing gloves or using clean hands, combine the ingredients. Then sprinkle the oil on top and mix again, ensuring the mix gets on every part of the chicken drumstick. Place clean chicken in a big clean bowl, and liberally sprinkle the rub on the chicken. While wearing gloves or using clean hands, combine the ingredients. 
  3. Place Marinated Chicken Drumsticks on Sheet Pan & Bake! Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a (foil-lined) baking sheet and place them in a 425 degrees already preheated oven. Bake drumsticks for 35 – 45 minutes (or until the drumsticks are cooked through or the internal thermometer reads 165, set aside to cool.) You may flip the drumstick midway through baking to ensure even baking. Sometimes, I usually do not flip the chicken. Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a (foil-lined) baking sheet and place them in a 425 degrees already preheated oven. Bake drumsticks for 35 – 45 minutes (or until the drumsticks are cooked through or the internal thermometer reads 165, set aside to cool.)  
  4. Serve Baked Chicken Drumsticks with preferred Sides. Serve with whatever you choose or eat them as it is. Green beans, cabbage, basmati Jollof, and quinoa Jollof all make great sides with these healthy oven-baked chicken drumsticks. An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free! 

Notes

Pat the drumsticks down before seasoning them. This removes excess moisture.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reads 165.

You can use any other seasoning you like; however, if you want these dreamy drummies, I suggest doing exactly what I did. 

Do not cook the drumsticks for up to 45 minutes if they are smaller. Also, if you wish for them to be juicy and moist and not dry, then do not cook them up for 45 minutes, either. However, ensure they are fully cooked. Keep your eyes on the chicken and cook them to your crispness. I cooked these for exactly 35 minutes!

YOU CAN NOT EAT RARE CHICKEN; undercooked chicken is not safe.

See the short video; I divided the oil and added it before and after the seasoning.

Add salt and pepper to your preference.

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More Chicken Recipes to Check Out:

These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. Air fryer thighs are packed with flavors, easy to cook, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The best part is that you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with just about any main side dish. Relatively, they pair so well with fried rice, cabbage, roasted veggies, salads, and literally any dish as a choice of protein. #Airfryerthighs #Airfryerchicken #Chickenthighrecipe #Airfryerrecipe #Chickenrecipe
Chicken fajitas in an air fryer may be the best possible way to cook this tex-mex meat and vegetable dish. It is juicy, tender, tasty, and cooks in no time. The part is that clean-up is easy peasy! This fun, flavorful and colorful healthy air fryer chicken breast fajitas make a perfect lunch or dinner any time! Serve these on tortillas, rice bowls, or just eat as is! YUM! Garnish healthy chicken fajitas with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, cheese, tomatoes, or chopped cilantro. #fajitas #airfryerfajitas #airfryerrecipes #healthyfajitas
Easy air fryer jerk chicken wings are smoky, spicy, flavorful, and tasty! Crispy on the outside and yet tender and juicy inside. You will be licking every drop of seasoning off your fingers and will never get tired of eating these jerk-seasoned chicken wings. If you are looking for the perfect party dish, these air-fried Jamaican jerk chicken wings are it! #airfryerjerkchicken #jerkchicken #airfriedjerkchicken #chickenwings #jerkmarinade
Flavor-packed, colorful, tasty, and satisfying chicken leg quarters and potatoes with shawarma spices are delish! This easy one-pot air fryer chicken and potato meal make an excellent lunch or dinner for you and your family! Traditional shawarma spices can instantly catapult any chicken recipe to the next level. This chicken and potatoes with shawarma marinade are so easy to make in the air fryer, and I hope you can give it a try! #Chickenshawarma #Chickenlegquarters #airfryerchicken #shawarma #shawarmamarinade #chickenrecipes

More Tasty Recipes to Try:

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An easy recipe for oven baked chicken legs is deliciously juicy inside, a little crisp outside, tasty, and finger-licking good! This might be the best chicken drumsticks recipe out here, requiring only a few ingredients: chicken drumsticks, paprika, onion powder, garlic, and cornstarch. Amazingly these oven-baked chicken drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and egg-free!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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5 Comments

  1. This looks delicious and the rub is easy to make. I have to give this a try!

    Reply

  2. This looks so good and the rub easy to make. I have to give this a try!

    Reply

    1. You must give this a try, sister, Nabisubi,
      And do not forget to share the photos with me when you get to make them!

      Reply

  3. You speaking my language: paprika, onion powder, garlic?? Oh yes, this is going to be delicious!

    Reply

    1. Hahahaha, Yes, sir!
      Oh, it was delicious. And the cornstarch helps all the other ingredients to stick to the drumsticks and oh, so, yummy.
      Please let know when you make it, Pastor Fred 🙂

      Reply