Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Name: Crispy Baked Drumsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (sub: all-purpose flour); Salt and pepper; 2 large eggs; Splash of milk or water; 1 1/3 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs (regular will work fine); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (sub: regular paprika); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2 1/2 lbs); Cooking spray; 1 batch of Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, optional for serving

5 /5

Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe

By: Rachel TiemeyerPosted: 10/14/24Updated: 10/14/24

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These breaded Crispy Baked Drumsticks have the texture and taste of fried chicken without all the fat and mess of frying. They’re also healthier. Serve with our simple and delicious Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce to take these over the top.

Crispy baked drumsticks on a pan with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

A healthier version of fried chicken legs without all the mess and grease.
Budget-friendly dinner – Chicken drumsticks are super economical. Plus you can make Homemade Chicken Stock with the leftover bones.
Freezer-friendly – While you’re going to the trouble, just double the batch and freeze one for later. Your future self will thank you.
Delicious and satisfying, especially when served with our Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce and Healthy Mashed Potatoes or Boiled Baby Potatoes on the side.

Ingredients

Like you’ll find throughout our Recipe Index, this one features wholesome ingredients–most from your pantry.

Ingredient Notes

Whole wheat flour – I use whole wheat because it’s higher in protein and fiber and less processed, but you can certainly use all purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Large eggs – If you need to omit eggs, you can smear vegan mayo on instead.
Whole wheat panko bread crumbs – These add that crispy crunch you’re looking for, but you can easily make your own homemade bread crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs.
Smoked paprika – This is a key ingredient, adding smokiness in the background.
Chicken drumsticks – You can keep the skin on (I know many people love it), but I like to remove the skin personally. To do this, I grab it with a paper towel and pull down hard until it releases.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – I put that this is optional in the recipe below, but this condiment is super easy and fast to make and kicks this meal up a big notch.

How to Make Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a rimmed sheet pan with foil. Place a wire baking rack on top and generously coat with cooking spray. (The rack will help the hot air to circulate all around the drumsticks, helping them get crunchy all over.)

Set Up Dredging Stations

Stir together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish. Beat the egg and milk together in another shallow dish. Mix breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in the last shallow dish.

Crispy baked drumstick coating station set up with plates of drumsticks, beaten eggs, flour, and bread crumbs, and then a baking rack on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Tip: Pulse the breadcrumb mixture in a blender until it’s a finer texture. It sticks better and cooks more evenly, so I highly suggest it if you can.

Breadcrumbs and spices in a food processor.

Processed breadcrumbs with spices in a food processor bowl.

Bread the Drumsticks

Pat the drumsticks dry (and remove the skin if you’d like). Dredge in the flour on all sides, and then in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.

A hand blotting chicken drumsticks with a paper towel.

A hand using a spoon to coat a chicken drumstick with flour and spices on a plate.

Then press into the breading mixture until evenly coated on all sides. Place the chicken on the prepared rack. Discard any remaining dredging mixtures.

A hand using tongs to dip a flour-coated drumstick into a bowl with beaten eggs.

A hand using a spoon to cover a drumstick that was already coated in flour and beaten eggs, with breadcrumbs.

Coat Drumsticks in Oil

Spray the drumsticks with cooking spray on both sides, making sure to coat the breadcrumbs. This helps them get crispy and golden brown. (Tip: Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer to help the breading stick, if you have time.)

A hand spraying cooking oil onto breaded chicken drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking tray with rack.

Roast

Place sheet pan on the top oven rack and roast for about 45 minutes, turning each drumstick over halfway through. They are done when golden brown and an instant-read thermometer (inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching bone) registers 165°F.

Crispy drumsticks on a baking pan straight from the oven.

Optional: If you’d like them even crispier, turn on the broiler at the end for a few minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

Optional Dipping Sauce

While the chicken bakes, mix together the (optional) Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce in a small bowl and set in the fridge until ready to serve.

Serve: Serve the warm drumsticks with the dipping sauce on the side.

A hand dipping a crispy baked drumstick into a bowl of honey mustard sauce.

How to Freeze Chicken Drumsticks

Believe it or not, these make a great freezer meal! Just be sure to freeze the drumsticks BEFORE baking.

Freeze For Later: Follow Steps 2-3. After breading the drumsticks, carefully lay them in a single layer in a gallon-sized freezer bag or shallow container with lid. Use parchment paper to separate layers, if needed. Seal and freeze. (Note: The Honey Mustard Sauce needs to be made fresh. We do not recommend freezing it.)

Prepare From Frozen: Note: You’ll need the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce ingredients on hand. Thaw over night in the fridge.

Breaded drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag labeled chicken drumsticks ready for the freezer.

FAQs

How long should I roast crispy baked drumsticks?

You’ll bake them at 400°F for about 45 minutes. Give them a turn halfway through. You’re looking for them to be golden brown on all sides and register at least 165°F internally.

If you want them to get even crispier, place them under the broiler for a minute or two. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the whole wheat flour. And use gluten-free bread crumbs in place of the Panko.

What to Serve with Crispy Baked Drumsticks

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A teal plate with a serving of baked mac and cheese and a fork on it.

Healthy Mac and Cheese (with Sneaky Sweet Potato)

Garlic Green Beans on a white serving platter with bacon crumbled on top.

Garlicky Green Beans

5-Ingredient Coleslaw

Photos and video by Whitney Reist of Sweet Cayenne.

Want More Freezer Meals?

Swing by our Best Freezer Meals for ideas! These are well-tested, family-friendly recipes with real food ingredients. Enjoy!

Picture of a crispy baked drumstick being dipped into honey mustard sauce and a picture of a dredging station on top of it.

Rachel Tiemeyer

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Rachel dreams about creating recipes (literally) and uses her husband, her 3 kids, and even the neighbors as guinea pigs several nights a week. She believes that good food has the power to bring families and friends closer together and continues to wake up excited about her job each day, even after 10+ years!