Nothing beats the comforting, mouthwatering flavors of a well-seasoned chicken dish, and this Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe delivers just that. With its crispy golden skin and juicy meat underneath, every bite bursts with the rich blend of Italian herbs and warm spices, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming ordinary chicken drumsticks into an irresistible feast that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white oval plate on the right, there are nine raw chicken drumsticks with pale pink skin and a bumpy texture. To the left, six small white bowls hold different ingredients: from top left clockwise, green dried herbs, white salt, black pepper, yellow oil, a mix of yellow and light beige powders, and bright green chopped fresh herbs. The bowls have speckled patterns except the oil and herbs bowls which are plain white. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe, the magic lies in a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from infusing bold flavor to creating that perfect crispy crust, these essentials work in tandem to elevate your chicken to delicious new heights.

2 pounds chicken drumsticks: Opt for bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the skin beautifully.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings classic Mediterranean herb notes.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the umami and rounds out the spice blend.
1 teaspoon paprika: Delivers mild smokiness and gorgeous color.
1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and season the meat evenly.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the dish.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh contrast at the end.

How to Make Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Rack

Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a cooking rack on top. This setup is key to letting hot air circulate around the chicken, ensuring crisp skin all over without sitting in its own juices.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken

Pat each chicken drumstick dry with paper towels. This simple step is essential because extra moisture can prevent the skin from becoming perfectly crispy, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Mix the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This aromatic blend will coat the chicken with a fantastic flavor base that’s bursting with character.

Step 4: Oil and Season

Brush the chicken drumsticks all over with olive oil, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning. Then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken, turning each drumstick to cover every inch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer and pop them into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The wire rack keeps the chicken elevated so it crisps nicely without steaming.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy and tender. For a vibrant finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Eight raw chicken drumsticks are evenly placed on a silver metal rack sitting on a silver metal baking tray. Each drumstick is covered with a reddish-orange dry spice rub, showing texture from the mix of herbs and seasonings. The drumsticks are arranged in two rows of four, on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the seasoning details and the fresh look of the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of color and a bright hint that complements the Italian seasoning wonderfully. You can also add some thin lemon slices tucked under the chicken for a zesty aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The herbs and spices give plenty of room for creativity in your side choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your oven-baked Italian seasoned chicken drumsticks family-style on a large platter garnished with colorful bell pepper strips and cherry tomatoes for a festive touch. Or plate each drumstick next to a scoop of creamy risotto and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay tasty and safe to eat for up to 3 to 4 days, ready to refresh for quick meals.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks by wrapping them tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers without losing the crispiness, reheat your drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible since it can make the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this seasoning blend and baking method. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack for this recipe?

Using a wire rack is recommended because it allows air to circulate under and around the chicken, helping the skin get crispy. If you don’t have one, placing the chicken directly on parchment-lined baking sheets can still work, but the texture may be a bit different.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have pre-made Italian seasoning, you can easily make your own mix using dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Combine these herbs in equal parts to mimic the flavor profile.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! This Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is naturally gluten-free as all the spices and ingredients used contain no gluten. Just be sure that your seasonings and oils haven’t been processed in facilities that might cause cross-contamination if that’s a concern.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning and avoid crowding the drumsticks on the rack. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just watch closely so they don’t burn.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Italian Seasoned Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simplicity, flavor, and that crave-worthy crispy texture in one easy meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for friends, it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over. So don’t wait — grab those drumsticks, gather your spices, and let the oven work its magic!