Name: Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 58 min
Total time: 68 min
Ingredients: 4 to 4.5 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 14 to 16); to taste Sea Salt & Pepper; 1/2 cup dijon mustard (grey poupon is my favorite); 1/2 cup real mayo or vegenaise; 4 garlic cloves (pressed); 2 cups seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs (I used Progresso brand)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of crispy chicken drumsticks, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe. I can still remember the first time I made these for my family. The aroma filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a magnet. My kids, always on the lookout for something crunchy and delicious, couldn’t resist sneaking bites before dinner was even served. It became a family tradition to gather around the table, savoring the perfectly seasoned, crispy drumsticks. The best part? They’re baked, not fried! So, you get all that flavor with none of the guilt. This dish has become a staple in our home, and I know it will be in yours too, especially when you see how simple it is to make.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 8 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
58 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
360 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Paleo, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
24 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

What We Adore About This Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Healthy Option without Compromising Flavor

What I love most about these Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks is how they strike the perfect balance between health and taste. Baking the drumsticks instead of frying them means you can enjoy all the crispy texture without the extra grease. It’s a win-win situation!

Versatile for Any Occasion

These drumsticks are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a family dinner, or just want a quick weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill. You can easily pair them with salads, rice, or even a hearty vegetable medley. The possibilities are endless!

Kid-Friendly and Fun

My kids love these drumsticks not only for their flavor but also for the fun of eating them with their hands. There’s just something about finger foods that kids find irresistible. Plus, they can help in the kitchen by rolling the drumsticks in breadcrumbs, making it a fun activity for everyone.

Impressive and Delicious

Even though this recipe is easy to make, it looks impressive on the plate. The golden-brown crust is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’ve got an appetizer that can impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Great for Meal Prep

Finally, these Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for meal prepping. Bake a big batch, and you’ll have leftovers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispiness.

What You’ll Need for Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks

The combination of ingredients in this recipe is what makes the Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks so special. Each component plays a key role in developing flavors and textures that will leave your family asking for more.

4 to 4.5 lbs chicken drumsticks – The star of the dish! Tender and juicy, they soak up flavors beautifully.
Sea Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
1/2 cup dijon mustard – Adds a delightful tang that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
1/2 cup real mayo or vegenaise – Helps bind the breadcrumbs and keeps the chicken moist.
4 garlic cloves – Freshly pressed for a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
2 cups seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs – Creates the perfect crispy coating that keeps the chicken juicy inside.

How to Prepare Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Preparing these Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks is a fun and straightforward process. You’ll love how easy it is to create such a delicious meal!

Preheat your oven to 350˚F. This is the perfect temperature for achieving that crispy texture while keeping the chicken moist.
Line a baking sheet with foil. If you want to save yourself some clean-up time, this step is crucial. Foil makes for easy cleanup after baking.
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water, and then pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they’re well-dried to ensure the seasoning sticks properly.
Season both sides of the drumsticks generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy; this adds wonderful flavor!
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup dijon mustard, 1/2 cup mayo, and 4 pressed garlic cloves. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Place 2 cups seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs in another bowl. Make sure it’s wide enough to accommodate the drumsticks for easy coating.
Roll or brush your mustard mixture onto all sides of the drumsticks. This step is vital for that flavorful crust.
Double roll each of the drumsticks into the bread crumbs, ensuring a nice coating. This is where the magic happens!
Transfer the breaded drumsticks to the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out; crowding them can prevent them from crisping up.
Bake at 350˚F for 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown. For extra crispness, consider placing them on a wire rack set inside a rimmed cookie sheet.
If you want really crispy skin, put them under a hot broiler for about 3 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning; we only want crispy, not charred!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Skip Drying: Ensuring the chicken is dry before seasoning is key for crispy skin.
Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic gives a more robust flavor than jarred.
Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid crowding the drumsticks to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Baking on a Rack: A wire rack helps air circulate around the drumsticks for more even cooking.

Change It Up

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit with your Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks, here are some great ideas!

Storage: After cooking, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Pairing: These drumsticks pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables.
Spice It Up: Try adding your favorite spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavor twist.
Accompaniments: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for added flavor.

How to Serve Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks

When it comes to serving your delicious Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks, there are so many options to make the meal more enjoyable.

Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: These drumsticks are suitable for both lunch and dinner. They’re hearty enough to satisfy your hunger.
Game Day Favorite: Serve these crispy drumsticks at your next game day gathering for a crowd-pleaser.
Family Gatherings: These drumsticks make for a great centerpiece at family get-togethers.
Seasonal Side Dishes: Pair with seasonal sides like corn on the cob in summer or roasted root vegetables in winter.
Storage Tips: Make sure to keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch on the weekend for quick meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for drumsticks in this recipe. They will have a similar cooking time and will also remain juicy and flavorful. Just ensure they are coated the same way as the drumsticks. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as delicious!

These Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Yes! You can easily make these drumsticks gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just look for a brand that you enjoy, and follow the same instructions for coating the chicken. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic!

To achieve crispy Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and ensure that they are not crowded on the baking sheet. Also, use a broiler for the last few minutes of cooking to really crisp up the skin. Using a wire rack can also help!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Breaded Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a fantastic blend of simplicity and flavor, making them a perfect choice for any busy weeknight or a cozy family meal. I encourage you to try this recipe; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Your family will love it, and you might find it becoming a regular on your dinner rotation!