These crispy baked breaded chicken drumsticks are the perfect weeknight treat! Coated in crunchy crumbs, they bake up golden and delicious without all the oil.
What’s great is how easy they are to make. I love pairing them with a side of veggies or fries, and you can enjoy them without any frying mess! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Drumsticks: I love using skin-on drumsticks as they get beautifully crispy. If you prefer chicken thighs or wings, they work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Buttermilk: This is key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its crispy texture. If you want a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available or you can crush cornflakes as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a wonderful flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor without the dairy content.
Spices: The garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the taste. Feel free to play around with your favorite spices, like chili powder for heat or Italian seasoning for a twist!
How Do You Get the Coating to Stick?
Getting the breading to stick properly is crucial for crispy chicken. Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. This formulation is great for allowing the breadcrumbs to cling to the chicken. Ensure to let the excess buttermilk drip off before breading.
- Squeeze out the buttermilk gently from each drumstick before rolling it in the breadcrumb mix.
- Press firmly into the breadcrumbs so you get a great layer on the chicken.
- Remember to spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil; this step is key for extra crispiness!
Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, for garnish and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Then, it will bake in the oven for about 35-45 minutes. Overall, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Give the wire rack a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, pour in the buttermilk and add the chicken drumsticks. Make sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This step makes the chicken tender and helps the coating stick better.
3. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each drumstick out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Now, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well on the chicken. Make sure each drumstick is evenly coated for extra crunch!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Now place the breaded drumsticks on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Lightly spray the drumsticks with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them achieve that beautiful golden color and crispiness while baking.
6. Optional Flavor Boost:
If you’d like, sprinkle some dried rosemary over the drumsticks for added flavor and aroma before they go into the oven.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Put the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through so they bake evenly. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the breading is crispy and golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making them even tastier. Serve warm, and feel free to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides like roasted veggies or fries for a complete meal!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy, flavorful, and healthier baked breaded chicken drumsticks!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs or wings for drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer while wings will cook faster.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the seasoning, are also gluten-free.
What Should I Serve with These Drumsticks?
These crispy drumsticks pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or classic sides like mashed potatoes or fries. Dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, or garlic aioli can really enhance the meal!
How Can I Get Extra Crispy Coating?
For an even crispier coating, make sure to spray the drumsticks with cooking spray before baking. You can also try double-dipping by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk after the first breadcrumb coating, then back into the crumbs for an extra layer!
