Crispy Parmesan Sesame Chicken Drumsticks
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and rich flavors of these Crispy Parmesan Sesame Chicken Drumsticks. Originally inspired by a beloved Toronto Star recipe, we experimented with removing the skin for a lighter yet equally satisfying experience. These drumsticks are coated in a flavorful blend of crispy breadcrumbs, nutty roasted sesame seeds, and aromatic herbs, all enhanced by the distinctive taste of grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snacks, these drumsticks promise a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. You can also opt to use chicken wings if you prefer, allowing you to customize this dish to your liking. Get ready to savor the crispy goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain or seasoned)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (dry, grated)
roasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup (plain)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
chicken drumsticks
8 (skin removed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
If using drumsticks, carefully remove the skin. This can be done with a sharp knife or by simply pulling it off with your hands. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3
In a large resealable plastic bag or a wide mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, roasted sesame seeds, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquefied. Allow to cool slightly before using.
5
Brush each chicken drumstick with the melted butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step helps the coating adhere better and adds richness to the flavor.
6
Dunk the buttered drumsticks into the breadcrumb mixture, shaking the bag or rolling them in the bowl until they are fully coated in the flavorful mixture.
7
Arrange the coated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup, making sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After this time, carefully turn each drumstick over to promote even browning. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
9
For an extra crispy finish, broil the drumsticks for the last few minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of these chicken drumsticks?
The flavor profile features a nutty taste from roasted sesame seeds, richness from Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper and onion powder.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the baking process.
Should I keep the skin on the chicken drumsticks?
For this specific recipe, it is recommended to remove the skin for a lighter experience and to allow the coating to adhere better.
How do I remove the skin from the chicken?
You can carefully remove the skin using a sharp knife or by simply pulling it off with your hands.
What is the first step after removing the chicken skin?
Once the skin is removed, you should pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly.
What ingredients are used for the crispy coating?
The coating consists of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, roasted sesame seeds, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs based on your preference.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of dry, grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of sesame seeds should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of roasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat tolerance.
How should I melt the butter?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl until fully liquefied and allow it to cool slightly.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
The butter helps the dry coating mixture adhere to the chicken and adds richness to the final flavor.
How do I apply the breadcrumb mixture?
After brushing the chicken with butter, dunk the drumsticks into the breadcrumb mixture in a bag or bowl and roll until fully coated.
How should I arrange the chicken on the baking sheet?
Space the drumsticks out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and airflow.
How long do the drumsticks need to bake?
Bake for an initial 30 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Why do I need to turn the drumsticks halfway through?
Turning the drumsticks helps promote even browning on all sides.
How can I achieve maximum crispiness?
For an extra crispy finish, broil the drumsticks for the last few minutes of cooking while watching closely to prevent burning.
Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes, you can customize this dish by substituting the 8 drumsticks with chicken wings.
What are the recommended tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as chicken, drumsticks, parmesan, sesame, baked, appetizer, crispy, healthy, and easy recipe.
Is onion powder necessary?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to add aromatic depth, but it can be adjusted to taste.
How many drumsticks does this recipe yield?
The recipe is formulated for 8 chicken drumsticks.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by a dish from the Toronto Star, modified to be skinless for a lighter version.
Is this a good recipe for game day?
Absolutely, these crispy drumsticks make excellent snacks for game day or family dinners.
Should the Parmesan cheese be fresh or dry?
The recipe calls for dry, grated Parmesan cheese, which helps create a better crust than fresh, wet cheese.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How do I ensure easy cleanup?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleaning up much easier after baking.
Can I mix the coating in a bag?
Yes, using a large resealable plastic bag is an effective way to mix the ingredients and coat the chicken evenly.
What is the texture of the final product?
The drumsticks provide an irresistible crunch on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, with only 9 ingredients and straightforward baking instructions, it is classified as an easy recipe.
Should I serve these drumsticks hot or cold?
It is best to serve these drumsticks warm to enjoy the maximum crispiness of the coating.