Ah, chicken drumsticks—there’s something about them that just feels like home, isn’t there? Whether it’s the crispy skin or the juicy meat that keeps everyone coming back, these oven-baked beauties are a hit. I remember the last time I made them, the scent wafted through the house like a warm hug—irresistible!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) and line a tray with foil, placing a rack on top, then spray the rack with oil.
- In three separate bowls, prepare the crumbing station by placing flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Mix the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl, then add one tablespoon of the seasoning to the flour and the remainder to the panko breadcrumbs, mixing well.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Coat each drumstick in flour, shake off any excess, dip in the egg, and let the excess drip off.
- Place the drumstick into the panko bowl, rotate it to adhere the breadcrumbs thoroughly, and press the crumbs onto the drumstick, covering all surfaces, including the handle.
- Arrange the coated drumsticks on the rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced, and generously spray them with canola or another oil.
- Bake the drumsticks for 25 minutes, then turn them over, spray with more oil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crunchy.
- Allow the drumsticks to cool for 5 minutes to let the crumb set, then serve and enjoy the crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil spray (or other oil)
- 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 chilli powder (omit for kid-friendly)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for kid-friendly)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1688cal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 136g | Fat: 88g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 1048mg | Sodium: 4664mg | Potassium: 1992mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2608IU | Vitamin C: 0.24mg | Calcium: 424mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- Can I make the drumsticks less spicy for kids?
- Yes, you can make them mild by omitting the cayenne pepper and reducing the black pepper in the seasoning mix.
- What is the best way to achieve a crunchy coating?
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture. Be generous with the oil spray to ensure the coating turns golden and crunchy during baking.
- How can I avoid making a mess while crumbing the drumsticks?
- Use one hand to coat the drumsticks in flour and egg, and your other hand to sprinkle panko breadcrumbs. This technique helps keep your hands relatively clean.
- What can I serve with the drumsticks for a complete meal?
- Consider serving them with two-in-one side dishes that combine vegetables and starch, like Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad or Garlic Butter Rice with Kale.
- How do I store leftovers and maintain their crunchiness?
- Store leftover drumsticks in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to revive some of the coating’s crunchiness.
Tips
- To achieve an evenly crunchy coating without making a mess, use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ones. This will help keep your hands relatively clean during the crumbing process.
- Be generous with the oil spray on the drumsticks before baking. The more oil you spray, the more golden and crispy the coating will become, so don’t hesitate to cover them well.
- If you want to make the dish kid-friendly, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper and black pepper from the seasoning mix to tone down the spiciness.
- For an extra crispy texture, ensure the chicken drumsticks are thoroughly dried with paper towels before applying the flour and egg coatings, as any moisture can lead to soggy patches.
Equipment
- Panko Breadcrumbs – While panko breadcrumbs can be found in most supermarkets, some might prefer to purchase it online, especially if looking for specific brands or larger quantities.
- Oil Spray Bottle – A canola oil spray or similar oil spray bottle is recommended to coat the drumsticks evenly for that crispy finish.
- Baking Rack – A rack to place on a baking tray ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides, which might be something people need to purchase.
