healthy chicken drumstick recipes

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Chicken as food

Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world.^[1] Owing to the relative ease and low cost of raising chickens—in comparison to mammals such as cattle or hogs—chicken meat (commonly called just “chicken”) and chicken eggs have become prevalent in numerous cuisines.

Chicken can be prepared in a vast range of ways, including baking, grilling, barbecuing, frying, and boiling. Since the latter half of the 20th century, prepared chicken has become a staple of fast food. Chicken is sometimes cited as being more healthful than red meat, with lower concentrations of cholesterol and saturated fat.^[2]

The poultry farming industry that accounts for chicken production takes on a range of forms across different parts of the world. In developed countries, chickens are typically subject to intensive farming methods while less-developed areas raise chickens using more traditional farming techniques. The United Nations estimates there to be 19 billion chickens on Earth today, making them outnumber humans more than two to one.^[3]

BAKED DRUMSTICKS

INGREDIENTS

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this simple and tasty chicken recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need.

Chicken drumsticks:

I use eight drumsticks in this recipe, each weighing about 4 oz. I don’t remove the skin – I think it’s the best part! If you buy them in packages of five, you can make ten using the same recipe and increasing the olive oil by about half a tablespoon.

Olive oil:

I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you’d rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use melted butter instead.

Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty.

Spices:

Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne greatly improves the flavor of this dish. It adds a hint of spice without overwhelming the dish. But if you’re not a fan of spicy foods, try using just ⅛ teaspoon (a pinch)

INSTRUCTIONS

Baking drumsticks in the oven is so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

Your first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Then line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Now, mix the oil with the spices into a paste. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet and coat them all over with the paste. You can use a pastry brush or simply your hands.

Do you cover drumsticks in the oven?

No, you should not cover them. You want the skin to brown, and you want the chicken roasted, not steamed. So definitely leave the drumsticks uncovered.

Can you overcook chicken drumsticks?

Yes, unfortunately, you can. So keep an eye on them. They should be ready after about 40 minutes, but if your oven runs hot, they might be ready sooner.

How do I know when the chicken is ready?

Chicken should be fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer not touching the bone.

HOW TO STORE, FREEZE, AND REHEAT THIS HONEY DRUMSTICK RECIPE

Storage:Place cooled drumsticks in an airtight container or Ziplock bag and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:Allow chicken thighs to come to room temperature, then place in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, and freeze for up to 1 month.
To reheat:Allow frozen chicken drumsticks to thaw overnight in the fridge, then come to room temperature on the counter. When ready to consume, place on a baking sheet and place in a 275°F oven until warmed through.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, for up to 1 month.
Bake chicken until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
You may use bone-in, skin-on thighs, boneless skinless thighs, or even boneless skinless breasts.
Maple syrup would be a good substitute for the honey, just know the flavor will change slightly.
Serving size: 2 drumsticks

Nutrition

How long to bake chicken legs:

These baked chicken drumsticks only take a few minutes of prep and just about 45 minutes of bake time.

We’re baking these chicken legs at 425 degrees. If our oven isn’t good and hot, the chicken skin won’t get crispy and no one wants rubbery chicken skin!

The meat should reach 165 degrees in about 45 minutes and then your chicken legs are ready to devour!

What is the best temperature to cook chicken legs?

We prefer to bake our chicken drumsticks at 425 degrees. This allows the chicken skin to crisp up and the interior stays nice and moist. It may seem like a high heat, especially compared to some other recipes but we have thousands have 5 star reviews on this recipe that speak for themselves

What to serve with oven baked chicken legs:

Broccoli Rice Casserole: Made with cauliflower rice so it’s packed with veggies!

Keto Asparagus: The kids even like this one!

Fried Radishes: They’re similar to a potato when cooked.

Keto Coleslaw: This is my mama’s famous recipe!

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Totally satisfies that mac and cheese craving!

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks

Marinate –

mix up the marinade and pour it into a resealable plastic bag. You could also use a plastic or glass container, but I like to use bags for marinades because you can squeeze out most of the air and really help the sauce permeate the meat. I try to give at least 2 hours for marinating, but if you only have 30 minutes you’ll still get some good flavor.

Chicken –

Obviously we are going with chicken legs here but you can use chicken thighs if that’s what you like. My preference is to remove the skin, but if you’re looking for skin-on crispy baked chicken legs, we do that too.

Bake –

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet covered with foil. Roast at high heat for about 25 minutes, then flip over and continue to cook the chicken for about 10-20 minutes more or until the temperature reaches 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer

Do you cover drumsticks in the oven?

You cover something in the oven for one of two reasons.

You don’t want it to brown too fast on top or burn.
You want to steam it, like my Chicken and Rice Bake.

We don’t want any of those things, so you can bake chicken drumsticks uncovered

HOW MANY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS PER PERSON

Count at least two per person. It’s normally enough, especially when you serve it with a fresh salad on the side. But I have some heavy eaters here, so expect some second servings.

About twelve drumsticks should be enough for four to six people.

How to prep and season chicken legs

First, make sure the drumsticks are fully thawed (if you keep meat in the freezer). Then, remove the drumsticks from the package, and blot them with paper towels. This will help the skin to crisp up when you cook them.

Baked chicken drumsticks (baked chicken legs) are a simple and crazy delicious main dish that you will want to eat on repeat. Tender, juicy, easy!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked chicken drumsticks, baked chicken legs

Prep Time 3 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Rest time 5 minutes

Total Time 43 minutes

Servings 6 drumsticks

Calories 292 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Why you’ll love this easy chicken drumstick recipe

Once you know how to cook chicken legs in the oven, you’ll make them again and again. Here’s is why you’ll love this baked chicken legs recipe:

easy– You don’t have to be a master chef to cook this crispy oven baked chicken legs recipe!
quick– Easy baked chicken legs in oven require only 10 minutes prep!
minimal ingredients – You only need 4 basic ingredients (7 if you use more spices)!
versatile– Serve this healthy chicken drumstick recipe for lunch, as a snack, party food or quick midweek dinner or take it on an outdoor picnic.
family favourite– Your family is going to love this easy chicken recipe! Honestly, I have never met a picky eater who didn’t like oven roasted chicken legs.
delicious leftovers – They taste delicious the next day and are great cold.

Thank you for staying with this post “healthy chicken drumstick recipes” until the end.

solsarin

healthy chicken drumstick recipes

fateme hasani