Why You’ll Love Baked Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
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Crispy and flavorful without deep frying
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Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
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Kid-friendly and great for family dinners
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Easy to prepare with minimal prep time
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Oven-baked for a healthier alternative to fried chicken
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Perfectly seasoned with a cheesy, herby crust
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Versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides
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Great for make-ahead meals or leftovers
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Customizable with your favorite seasonings
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Freezer-friendly for future meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken drumsticks
Parmesan cheese, grated
breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
garlic powder
onion powder
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
olive oil or melted butter
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
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Brush each drumstick with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating stick.
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Roll the drumsticks in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
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Arrange the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
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Different Cuts: Use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks.
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Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
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Cheese Blend: Combine Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for a gooey twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
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Herb Upgrade: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the mix.
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Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the coating for a citrusy touch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes for extra crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy. For longer storage, freeze the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.
FAQs
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan works too, but fresh gives better results.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts may cook faster.
How do I know when the drumsticks are done?
They are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry, brush with oil, and press the coating on firmly to help it stick better.
Can I prep these in advance?
Yes, you can coat the drumsticks and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
Can I use other types of cheese?
You can mix in finely grated Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
What sides go well with these drumsticks?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly and the mild, cheesy flavor is usually a hit with children.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air to circulate and keep the bottom crisp.
Conclusion
Baked Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks are an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, cheesy chicken without the mess of frying. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for busy nights or weekend meal plans. Whether served with comforting sides or fresh veggies, these drumsticks are sure to become a family favorite.
Baked Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
These Baked Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor and crispy texture without the need for frying. Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, they’re golden brown with a satisfying crunch—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
- Brush each drumstick with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating stick.
- Roll the drumsticks in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
- Bake on a wire rack for extra crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
