Crispy Panko Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these crispy panko-baked chicken drumsticks! This mouthwatering dish offers a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. With flavorful spices like garlic, paprika, and oregano, these drumsticks are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried chicken. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup, perfect for busy evenings or impromptu get-togethers. Your taste buds will thank you, and your waistline will appreciate the lighter, oven-baked option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken drumsticks
6 (washed and patted dry)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
seasoning salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
cooking spray
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, black pepper, seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and panko breadcrumbs. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.
3
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water, allowing them to remain damp, which will help the crumb mixture stick better.
4
Carefully roll each drumstick in the seasoned panko mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not discard any leftover crumb mixture.
5
Lightly spray each coated drumstick with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
6
Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and turn the chicken drumsticks over. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture generously over the top of each drumstick.
8
Once again, spray the drumsticks liberally with cooking spray.
9
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 45 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10
Allow the drumsticks to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, crispy chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Panko Baked Chicken Drumsticks?
They are oven-baked chicken legs coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, designed to be a healthier, crunchy alternative to fried chicken.
What is the required oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How many chicken drumsticks does this recipe serve?
The recipe is specifically written for 6 chicken drumsticks.
What spices are used in the breading?
The breading contains garlic powder, black pepper, seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Why should the chicken be damp before coating?
Allowing the drumsticks to remain damp after rinsing helps the panko crumb mixture stick more effectively to the chicken.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Panko breadcrumbs are used because they provide a superior crunch compared to standard breadcrumbs.
Do I need to line my baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What is the purpose of cooking spray in this recipe?
Lightly spraying the coated drumsticks with cooking spray helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and turn golden brown.
How long do the drumsticks bake covered with foil?
The chicken is baked loosely covered with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes.
Should I flip the chicken during cooking?
Yes, you should carefully turn the drumsticks over after the first 45 minutes of baking.
What do I do with the reserved crumb mixture?
After flipping the chicken halfway through, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture generously over the top of each drumstick.
How long is the second baking stage?
The chicken is baked uncovered for an additional 45 minutes after being flipped.
What is the total cooking time?
The total baking time is 90 minutes in addition to prep time.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthier alternative to fried chicken because it is oven-baked and lower in fat.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much onion powder is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
Is oregano included in the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of oregano for flavoring.
How much paprika is in the breading?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of paprika.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
While you can, panko is preferred for its light, airy, and extra-crispy texture.
Is there black pepper in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper is included in the seasoning mix.
Do I spray the chicken more than once?
Yes, spray the drumsticks before the first bake and again after flipping and adding extra crumbs.
How much panko is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
Why cover the chicken with foil initially?
Covering with foil helps cook the chicken through while preventing the breadcrumbs from burning too early.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, using parchment paper on the baking sheet makes the cleanup process very easy.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
It is recommended to allow the drumsticks to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed for busy evenings because it requires minimal hands-on preparation.
Can I use this breading for other chicken parts?
While this recipe specifies drumsticks, the seasoned panko mixture can work for other cuts, though baking times may vary.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and aluminum foil.