Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and crispy chicken dish, look no further than these oven-baked chicken drumsticks! This recipe combines delectable seasonings with a crunchy panko coating for a delightful texture and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these drumsticks are easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
8 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup plain/all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Canola oil spray (or other oil)
Seasoning:
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or pure chili powder (omit for kid-friendly version)
1 1/2 teaspoons cooking salt
2 teaspoons black pepper (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for kid-friendly version)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy your crispy chicken drumsticks and the delightful burst of flavors that comes with every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan). Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top. Spray the rack with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Bowls
Prepare three medium bowls: one with plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs for coating the drumsticks.
Step 3: Mix Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix to the flour and mix well. Add the remaining seasoning to the panko breadcrumbs and mix until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Coat Drumsticks
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Dredge each drumstick in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess flour. Dip each one into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat each drumstick thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere properly.
Step 5: Arrange Drumsticks
Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared rack on the baking tray. Spray the drumsticks generously with canola oil to help them become crispy during baking.
Step 6: Bake Drumsticks
Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the drumsticks over, spray them again with oil, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
Oil Spray
Using canola oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture without adding too much additional fat.
Kid-Friendly Adjustments
For a kid-friendly version, consider omitting the cayenne pepper and reducing the black pepper to 1/2 teaspoon to tone down the spice level.
Storage
Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. For this recipe, set it to 200°C/400°F (or 180°C fan).
Using a Rack
Place a rack on top of the lined baking tray to allow air circulation around the drumsticks, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
Triple Dipping Method
Use three separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. This method enhances the coating’s adherence and texture.
Seasoning the Flour and Breadcrumbs
Mix seasonings into the flour and panko breadcrumbs separately. This ensures an even distribution of flavor in the coating.
Patting Dry
Dry the drumsticks with paper towels before dredging. This helps the coating stick better and prevents excess moisture.
Gentle Pressing for Coating
When applying the panko breadcrumbs, press gently to ensure they adhere well to the drumsticks without falling off.
Flipping for Even Cooking
Flip the drumsticks halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides cook evenly and achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
Resting Time
Allow the drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist final product.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken like thigh fillets or even turkey drumsticks. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
How can I make the dish less spicy for kids?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and black pepper in the seasoning to make it milder for children.
What type of oil can I use instead of canola oil?
You can use any cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, depending on your preference.
How can I ensure my drumsticks are cooked thoroughly?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F to confirm they are fully cooked.
Conclusion
The crispy baked chicken drumsticks offer a deliciously flavorsome and healthier alternative to fried options. With the combination of herbs and spices, these drumsticks are not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy this delightful recipe and share it with loved ones for a satisfying meal.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Combine leftover chicken drumsticks with a mix of seasonal vegetables and a soy sauce-based stir-fry sauce for a quick and nutritious meal.
Pasta Salad with Chicken
Dice any leftover drumsticks and toss them with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing pasta salad.
Chicken Tacos
Shred the crispy chicken drumsticks and serve them in corn tortillas with avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a fun taco night.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Chop the baked drumsticks and mix them with a medley of greens, celery, and carrots. Drizzle with a buffalo sauce dressing for a spicy twist.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Use leftover chicken to create a hearty casserole by mixing it with cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and topping it with cheese before baking until bubbly.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Add chopped drumsticks to homemade or store-bought pizza dough, top with BBQ sauce, red onions, and cheese, then bake for a delightful BBQ chicken pizza.
