Recipe video above. Super crunchy baked drumsticks that are generously seasoned with an addictive zingy kick from black pepper and cayenne. It's not blow-your-head off but it has a very warm buzz! Just omit the cayenne and reduce the pepper to make it kid friendly. It's so seasoned you don't need a sauce for dunking but if you want something quick but great, use my honey mustard or pink sauce - both recipes in the notes.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time45 minutesmins
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: Baked Chicken Drumsticks, crunchy chicken legs recipe
Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan). Place a rack on a foil lined tray. Spray rack with oil.
Crumbing bowls - Place the flour, whisked eggs and panko in 3 separate medium bowls (bear in mind shape to fit the drumsticks!).
Mix Seasoning in a small bowl. Put 1 tablespoon into the flour and the rest in the panko, then mix.
Crumb - Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Coat in flour (shake off excess), then egg (let excess drip off). Place in panko and rotate, pressing to adhere all over, including the handle. (Note 3 for mess-free hands technique!)
Spray - Place drumstick on the rack. Repeat with remaining chicken. Spray very generously with oil.
Bake 25 minutes. Turn drumsticks, spray again with oil. Bake a further 20 minutes until golden brown and super crunchy!
Serve Eat and enjoy the CRUNCH!
Notes
1. Panko breadcrumb - A Japanese breadcrumb favoured for the extra-crispy coating it gives crumbed foods. You can buy it at most big supermarkets (AUS - Coles, Woolworths, Harris) in the Asian foods section and Asian stores (cheaper!). Substitute with regular breadcrumbs.2. Chilli powder - Not to be confused with US chili powder which is a store bought mix that's not spicy. I'm talking about the pure chilli powder, 100% spiciness!3. Mess-free crumbing technique: Use one hand to coat in flour and the egg, then use that same hand to place the drumstick into the panko bowl. Use your clean hand to sprinkle panko onto the drumstick, pressing to adhere. Make sure you cover the handle too so you can grasp it to rotate the drumstick and keep your hand mostly clean. Repeat - and marvel at clean(ish) hands!4. Quick sauce options:
Honey mustard sauce: Mix together 1/3 cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1 - 2 tsp lemon juice (sub vinegar), salt and pepper.
Ketchup, BBQ sauce or other store bought sauce of choice
5. Leftovers will keep for 3 days in the fridge. A quick blast in the oven will resurrect the crunchy coating to some degree.Nutrition per drumstick, factors in residual breadcrumbs and flour.