Description
Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in fiery Cajun seasoning, baked until crispy-skinned and caramelized. These addictive drumsticks deliver the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smoky depth with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cajun Spice Blend:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Optional Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet with foil and place wire rack on top.
- Season: Pat drumsticks dry. Mix all spice blend ingredients in bowl. Coat drumsticks with oil, then rub spice mix all over (including under skin if possible).
- Bake: Arrange on rack. Bake 25 minutes. Flip and bake 20-25 more minutes until internal temp reaches 175°F (79°C) and skin is crispy.
- Glaze (optional): Whisk glaze ingredients. Brush onto drumsticks during last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest: Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin: Broil 2-3 minutes at the end
- Marinate option: Season drumsticks and refrigerate overnight
- Grill variation: Cook over indirect heat 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally
- Serving suggestion: Cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Storage: Keeps refrigerated 3 days – re-crisp in air fryer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg