Do you love crispy, juicy chicken with a kick? I know I do! These Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks are not only super easy to make, but they’re packed with bold flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together and bring some excitement to your dinner table!

Cook time: 30

Prep Time: 10

Yields: 8

Calories: 510

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

To make these yummy Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks,you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. I love how these items come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s both crispy and juicy. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 chicken drumsticks: Look for fresh, high-quality drumsticks for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This helps our spices stick to the chicken and makes it crispy!
1 teaspoon paprika: For that rich colour and smoky flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.
½ teaspoon onion powder: A must for that savory taste.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic.
½ teaspoon oregano: this gives a nice herbal note.
½ teaspoon basil: For a hint of sweetness.
¼ teaspoon ground thyme: A subtle earthiness.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste for a bit of extra kick!

With these ingredients, you’re set for an amazing flavor experience. Gather everything, and let’s get cooking!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these baked cajun Chicken Drumsticks. I promise it’s simple and swift!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). this is crucial for crisping up the skin.

Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up later. If you have a rack,place it on top of the baking sheet to help the heat circulate around the chicken.

prep the chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag.Drizzle the vegetable oil over them, seal the bag, and gently massage it so the oil coats the chicken evenly.

Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and cayenne pepper. This is your Cajun seasoning mix that will give those drumsticks amazing flavor!

Season the chicken: Pour the spice mixture into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag again and toss it around until the drumsticks are evenly coated with the spices.

Bake the drumsticks: Place the seasoned drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet, discarding the plastic bag. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You want them golden brown with the juices running clear.

Check for doneness: To confirm they’re cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) near the bone.

Broil for extra crispiness: if you like your skin really crispy, set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and broil the chicken for an additional 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning!

And there you have it! A straightforward guide to making delicious Cajun chicken drumsticks that are sure to wow your guests.

Serving and storage Tips for Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Onc your Baked Cajun Chicken drumsticks are ready, it’s time to think about serving and storing them. These flavorful drumsticks are perfect for family dinners, game day, or even meal prep for the week.

Serving Suggestions:

Serving Size: These drumsticks are great as a main dish. I typically serve 2 drumsticks per person. You can also include sides like coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a refreshing salad to round out the meal.
Dipping Sauces: They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. I recommend a creamy ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo. For something simple, just mix mayonnaise with a splash of hot sauce for an easy homemade dip.
Garnishing: For a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro over the finished chicken.It not only enhances the presentation but adds a fresh flavor.

Storage Facts:

Refrigeration: Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let them cool down to room temperature before sealing them up.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer,these drumsticks freeze well! just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

oven: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to keep the skin crispy.
Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.

With these serving and storage tips, your Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks will be a hit, and you can enjoy them even longer!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Baked Cajun Chicken drumsticks

Cooking can sometimes throw a curveball, so here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips for making your Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks a success.

Recipe Notes:

marinating for Flavor: If you have extra time, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mix and oil for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking. This will enhance the flavors even more!
Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. If you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you might want to reduce it to a pinch.
Chicken Size Matters: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your drumsticks. If they are larger,they might need an extra few minutes in the oven.

Troubleshooting Common issues:

Skin Not Crispy Enough: If the chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, make sure you have a good amount of oil on the drumsticks. You can also broil them for a few extra minutes at the end, but keep an eye on them!

Undercooked Chicken: Always check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. Remember,you want it to reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick.If you find them undercooked, pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes.

Burning Due to Sugar: if using sugar in your spice mix, be cautious as it can burn quickly. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, consider doing that towards the end of cooking.

With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges while making these delicious drumsticks. Happy cooking!