Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all the drumsticks are well-coated with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off.
   • Season the drumsticks with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat each piece evenly with the spices.
3. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.
   • Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange the Drumsticks:
   • Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking.
   • Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or melted butter over the drumsticks. This helps achieve a crispy and golden crust.
6. Bake the Chicken:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the drumsticks are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
   • For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
   • Serve the crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard. They also pair well with a side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Drumsticks:

1. Buttermilk Marinade:
   • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. Flour and Cornstarch Coating:
   • The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light and crispy coating. Cornstarch helps absorb moisture, ensuring a crunchy crust.
3. Even Coating:
   • Ensure each drumstick is evenly coated with the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a thick and even layer.
4. Avoid Overcrowding:
   • When arranging the drumsticks on the baking sheet, make sure they are spaced apart. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in a less crispy texture.
5. Drizzling Oil:
   • Drizzling a small amount of olive oil or melted butter over the drumsticks before baking helps achieve a golden and crispy crust. You can also use a cooking spray for an even lighter option.

Variations:

1. Spicy Drumsticks:
   • For a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
2. Herb-Crusted:
   • Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to the flour mixture for a herb-infused flavor.
3. Parmesan-Crusted:
   • Mix 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy, crispy coating.

Crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a fantastic option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the deliciousness of these crispy drumsticks with your favorite sides and dipping sauces