1-Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking oil. The foil makes cleanup incredibly easy, and the spray prevents the chicken from sticking.

2-Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks Take your chicken drumsticks out of the package and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely essential for crispy skin! Any moisture on the surface will create steam in the oven, which prevents proper browning and crisping. Don’t rush this step take your time and get those drumsticks nice and dry. Place the dried drumsticks in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. I personally love using a bag because it makes coating the chicken even easier and contains the mess, but a bowl works perfectly fine too.

3-Step 3: Add the Olive Oil Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken drumsticks. Using your hands or tongs, toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated with oil. This oil does more than just help the seasonings stick it also promotes that beautiful golden-brown color and contributes to the crispy texture of the finished skin. Make sure the oil gets into all the nooks and crannies of each drumstick. You want complete coverage for the best results.

4-Step 4: Mix and Apply the Seasonings In a small bowl, combine all your dried seasonings: 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have), ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Mix them together well so the flavors are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled chicken and toss thoroughly to coat. If using a bag, seal it and give it a good shake, massaging the seasonings into the meat. If using a bowl, use your hands to rub the seasonings all over each drumstick. Don’t be shy about getting in there with your hands it’s the best way to ensure even coverage!

5-Step 5: Arrange and Bake Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching each other giving them space allows hot air to circulate around each piece for even cooking and browning. You don’t need to turn them during baking, which makes this recipe wonderfully hands-off. Place the baking sheet in your preheated 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F at the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.

6-Step 6: Rest and Serve Once your baked chicken legs reach the proper temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it. The result? Every bite is as juicy and flavorful as the first. Serve these crispy drumsticks with your favorite sides for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes, check out my crispy baked parmesan chicken for another family favorite that’s sure to please.