Healthy oven-baked chicken drumsticks: Crispy without the guilt

When you think of chicken drumsticks, you probably imagine juicy, crispy pieces of meat like those served in fast food chains. However, you no longer need to go to a restaurant to enjoy that taste—you can easily prepare an equally tasty dish at home with minimal fat. Oven-baked chicken drumsticks, instead of deep-fried, are a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious snack that still impresses with its crispiness and golden skin. Just prepare and season them properly; they will be golden and crispy like never before.

The key to achieving perfectly golden and crispy chicken drumsticks lies in properly seasoning the meat and using the right breading. To give the drumsticks a deep flavor and slight spiciness, you can season them with a mix of aromatic spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin. An important element is also the breading—choose panko, coarse breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes to achieve maximum crispiness.

The ingredients you need for this recipe are simple and easily accessible, and preparing the dish won't take much time. Here's what you'll need:

                                          
• 4-6 chicken drumsticks
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 heaping teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 heaping teaspoon of cumin
• 1 level teaspoon of granulated garlic
• 1 level teaspoon of salt
• 1 egg (size L)
• 1 tablespoon of Tabasco or chipotle sauce (for spicy lovers)
• 1–1.5 cups of panko breadcrumbs (or alternatives: crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, crackers)
• Olive oil spray

Preparation:

1. Prepare the marinade: Mix the flour with the spices. In a separate dish, combine the egg with the Tabasco sauce.
2. Bread the chicken: Coat each drumstick first in the flour and spice mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the panko breading.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the breaded drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for about 40 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Serve: Serve the ready drumsticks with your favorite sauces sprinkled with parsley.

Tips:

          
• Breading: You can experiment with different types of breading. Oat flakes, nuts, or seeds also work well.
• Spices: Adjust the amount and type of spices to your preferences. You can add sweet paprika, turmeric, or ginger.
• Sauces: Serve the drumsticks with various sauces, such as garlic, barbecue, or mayonnaise.

Crispy chicken drumsticks are ideal for a quick and tasty dinner or supper. Prepare them at home, and you won't have to give up your favorite flavors while staying healthy.