What To Know
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the chicken drumsticks with the honey Dijon glaze towards the end of cooking for a delicious and sticky glaze.
- To reheat, place the chicken drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Chicken drumsticks, also known as chicken legs, are an incredibly versatile and flavorful cut of chicken that can be cooked in various ways. Baking them in the oven is an excellent technique that results in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. This chicken drumsticks recipe baked delivers a perfectly balanced combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush the chicken drumsticks with the spice mixture, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey Dijon glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the oven and brush with the honey Dijon glaze.
9. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
10. Serve the chicken drumsticks hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Crispy Chicken Drumsticks:
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Make sure the chicken drumsticks are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the chicken drumsticks enough space to cook evenly.
- Bake the chicken drumsticks until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Brush the chicken drumsticks with the honey Dijon glaze towards the end of cooking for a delicious and sticky glaze.
Variations:
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mixture.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the honey Dijon glaze.
- For a more herbaceous flavor, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the spice mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken drumsticks with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- For a fun and casual meal, serve the chicken drumsticks with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
- Chicken drumsticks can also be served as an appetizer or snack.
Storage:
- Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
“The End…Or Is It?”
This chicken drumsticks recipe baked is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and delicious honey Dijon glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you utterly satisfied.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken drumsticks?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken thighs take a little longer to cook than drumsticks.
Q: What is the best way to achieve crispy skin on the chicken drumsticks?
A: Make sure to pat the chicken drumsticks dry before seasoning them. This will help the skin crisp up in the oven. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have honey Dijon mustard?
A: You can make your own honey Dijon mustard by combining equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. Alternatively, you can use a different glaze, such as barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce.
