Crispy Buffalo Drumsticks
Elevate your game-day experience with these irresistibly crispy Buffalo drumsticks! Perfectly seasoned and coated in a fiery Frank's RedHot sauce, these drumsticks offer all the delectable flavors of traditional buffalo wings, but with the juicy richness of chicken legs. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a fun family dinner, serve these drumsticks hot off the oven accompanied by crunchy carrot sticks, fresh celery ribs, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. Whether you're a buffalo sauce aficionado or trying it for the first time, these drumsticks will become a family favorite in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken drumsticks
3 lbs (pat dry)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Frank's RedHot sauce
1/3 cup (none)
unsalted butter
1/3 cup (melted)
ranch dressing
1/4 cup (for serving (optional))
carrot sticks
12 (for serving (optional))
celery ribs
12 (for serving (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow for even heat circulation.
2
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drumsticks with vegetable oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
3
Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking, until they are crispy and cooked through.
4
While the drumsticks are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by mixing together the Frank's RedHot sauce, minced garlic, and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl until smooth.
5
Once the drumsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and set your broiler to high heat. Toss the baked drumsticks in the buffalo sauce until thoroughly coated, then return them to the baking sheet.
6
Broil the drumsticks for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7
Serve hot with optional ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery ribs for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Buffalo Drumsticks?
Crispy Buffalo Drumsticks are seasoned chicken legs baked until crispy and tossed in a classic buttery buffalo sauce made with Frank's RedHot.
How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
To ensure maximum crispiness, pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and bake them on a wire rack to allow heat to circulate.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long do the drumsticks need to bake?
Bake the drumsticks for 50-55 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.
Why is a wire rack used during baking?
A wire rack allows hot air to circulate under the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring the skin stays crispy all around.
What ingredients are in the buffalo sauce?
The buffalo sauce is a mixture of Frank's RedHot sauce, minced garlic, and melted unsalted butter.
Can I use a different brand of hot sauce?
While Frank's RedHot is the traditional choice for buffalo sauce, you can use your favorite cayenne-based hot sauce as a substitute.
Should I line the baking sheet with foil?
Yes, lining the rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil makes cleanup much easier as it catches any drippings.
What is the purpose of the broiler step?
Broiling the drumsticks for 2 minutes after saucing helps caramelize the buffalo sauce and adds an extra layer of crispiness.
How do I know if the drumsticks are cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear.
Can I make these drumsticks less spicy?
To reduce the heat, increase the amount of butter in the sauce or use a 'mild' version of the buffalo sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your hot sauce and ranch dressing brands do not contain hidden gluten ingredients.
What should I serve as a side dish?
Traditional sides include carrot sticks, fresh celery ribs, and a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, but they must be completely thawed and patted dry before you begin the seasoning and baking process.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work well for coating the drumsticks.
How do I store leftover buffalo drumsticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the 2 fresh minced cloves in the sauce.
Are these drumsticks suitable for game day?
Absolutely! They are a perfect party food and a great alternative to wings for large gatherings.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then toss in sauce and air fry for 2 more minutes.
Why should I turn the drumsticks while baking?
Turning the drumsticks helps ensure that they brown evenly on all sides.
Can I use salted butter for the sauce?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional kosher salt in the recipe to prevent the dish from being too salty.
What if I don't have a wire rack?
You can bake them directly on the foil, but you should flip them more frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even crisping.
How many drumsticks are in 3 lbs?
Typically, 3 lbs of chicken drumsticks consist of about 8 to 12 pieces depending on their size.
Can I use this recipe for chicken wings?
Yes, the same method works for wings, though the baking time will likely be shorter (about 35-45 minutes).
Can I prep the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it when the drumsticks are ready to be tossed.
Is black pepper necessary?
Black pepper adds a nice depth of flavor, but it can be omitted if you prefer less spice or complexity.
Can I make these dairy-free?
To make them dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free ranch dressing.
What prevents the drumsticks from burning under the broiler?
The key is to watch them closely during the 2 minutes of broiling, as the sugars in the sauce can burn quickly.
Does the sauce need to be hot when tossing?
It is best if the sauce is warm or at room temperature so it coats the hot drumsticks evenly without cooling them down too much.