Looking for a delicious and easy baked chicken drumsticks recipe? This breaded baked chicken drumsticks recipe is your answer! With a crispy, golden crust on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside, this oven-baked drumsticks recipe is perfect for any meal. Coated in a flavorful mixture of Dijon mustard, mayo, and garlic, and rolled in seasoned Italian bread crumbs, these drumsticks are packed with savory goodness.

Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, this crispy chicken drumsticks recipe is sure to impress. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

4-4.5 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 14-16 pieces)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Dijon mustard (Grey Poupon is recommended)
1/2 cup real mayo or Vegenaise
4 garlic cloves, pressed
2 cups seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs (Progresso brand recommended)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, if desired.
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken drumsticks in cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the drumsticks with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Make the Mustard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayo (or Vegenaise), and pressed garlic cloves until smooth.
Prepare the Bread Crumbs: Place the seasoned Italian-style bread crumbs in a wide bowl large enough to coat the drumsticks.
Coat the Drumsticks: Roll or brush the mustard mixture onto all sides of the drumsticks. Then, double-coat each drumstick by rolling it in the bread crumbs, ensuring an even layer of crumbs on all sides.
Bake the Drumsticks: Arrange the breaded drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. For extra crispiness, place the drumsticks on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet to allow air circulation on all sides.
Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy skin, place the drumsticks under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired crispness (but not blackened).

Tips

Ensure Even Coating: Double-coating the drumsticks with both the mustard mixture and bread crumbs gives them a nice, thick crust.
Crisp Bottoms: For a crispier bottom, bake the drumsticks on a wire rack set inside a rimmed cookie sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken for even crispness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the drumsticks on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they won’t crisp properly.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the bread crumbs for a spicy twist.
Herb Flavors: Experiment with different seasonings like dried oregano, basil, or thyme mixed into the bread crumbs for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks? Yes, you can use thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker cuts like breasts will need a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make the drumsticks extra crispy without a broiler? You can bake the drumsticks at a slightly higher temperature (375°F) for a few extra minutes for crispier skin, or use a convection oven setting if available.

Can I prep the drumsticks ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the drumsticks and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy breaded drumsticks with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These breaded baked chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of savory flavor. The combination of Dijon mustard, mayo, and garlic provides a rich coating that enhances the crispness of the seasoned bread crumbs. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!