How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks At 400

Do you have a craving for baked chicken drumsticks but just don’t know how and how long to bake them? Well, look no further! Baking your own chicken drumsticks at home is much easier than it may seem.

With the right temperature and cook time, you’ll be enjoying flavorful drumsticks with crunchy skin in no time. In this post, we’ll tell you exactly how long to bake your chicken drumsticks at 400°F so that they come out perfectly cooked every single time. Let’s get started!

Chicken Drumsticks (Legs): What Are They?

Chicken drumsticks, also known as chicken legs, are the lower portion of the leg that is attached to the thigh. You can bake or roast them, fry them up in a skillet, or turn them into a flavorful stew. No matter how you decide to prepare them, they are sure to make a delicious and satisfying meal.

Chicken drumsticks are relatively inexpensive when compared to the other parts of the chicken, making them an ideal choice for those on a budget. Drumsticks are also chock full of nutrients, containing high levels of protein, iron, and zinc.

How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks?

Baking chicken drumsticks is a simple way to make a delicious and healthy meal. When baking, the key is to ensure that they are cooked through. The easiest way to determine this is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

The amount of time needed to cook chicken drumsticks will vary depending on the size, temperature of your oven, and how they are prepared. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes or until their internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). For larger drumsticks, you may need to cook them for longer.

How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks At 400?

Baking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) is possible, however, it will take a bit less time. The key is to monitor the internal temperature and make sure that they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Depending on the size of your drumsticks, they should take around 15-20 minutes to cook. As with all cooking methods, use a meat thermometer to check that they are cooked through.

How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks In Oven?

Baking chicken drumsticks in the oven is a great way to get them tender and juicy. Just like the above methods, the key is to make sure they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). It should take around 20-25 minutes for them to cook. For larger drumsticks, you may need to cook them for longer.

Why You Will Love Baked Chicken Drumsticks?

Baked chicken drumsticks are an easy and delicious meal option, these are the reasons why you will love this dish:

• They are relatively inexpensive, full of flavor, and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
• They contain plenty of protein, iron, and zinc to give you the energy you need for your day.
• Whether you bake them in the oven or fry them up in a skillet, they make a delicious and satisfying meal.

Give them a try and see for yourself why so many people love baked chicken drumsticks!

What Is The Proper Temperature For Baked Chicken Drumsticks?

The proper temperature for baking chicken drumsticks is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and all of the bacteria are destroyed. To ensure that they reach this temperature, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.

It’s also best to bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes or until their internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

How To Bake Chicken Drumsticks In The Oven?

Let’s start now to bake Chicken Drumsticks in the oven, try to closely follow the step-by-step to make the most perfect chicken drumsticks you want!

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks: 6
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Paprika: 1/4 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/4

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray, this way make the meat will not be stuck on the rack, which will be unsightly for your chicken drumsticks.
3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Rub the chicken drumsticks with olive oil and then season them with the spice blend. Try to season them well to cover the chicken drumsticks without leaving any spots, this will make them turn out perfectly!
5. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, you can use a meat thermometer to check that they are cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it while it’s hot, juicy, and tender! Bon Appetite!

Notes

• When shopping for drumsticks, look for ones that are plump and have even coloring on the skin. Avoid purchasing any with discoloration or bruising on them. When cooked correctly, chicken drumsticks can be a delicious part of your meal rotation.
• If you want extra crispy skin, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a sweeter flavor, brush the chicken with honey or your favorite barbecue sauce before baking.

Watch the video below to know how to do it in detail:

Nutrition Facts

– Calories: 308kcal (15%)

– Carbohydrates: 1g

– Protein: 27g (54%)

– Fat: 21g (32%)

– Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)

– Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

– Monounsaturated Fat: 11g

– Trans Fat: 1g

– Cholesterol: 139mg (46%)

– Sodium: 453mg (20%)

– Potassium: 367mg (10%)

– Fiber: 1g (4%)

– Sugar: 1g (1%)

– Vitamin A: 392IU (8%)

– Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)

– Calcium: 20mg (2%)

– Iron: 1mg (6%)

Storage Instructions

Once cooked, chicken drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure that they are properly cooled before placing them in an airtight container. Alternatively, if you want to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When it’s time to reheat the drumsticks, make sure that they reach a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Reheating can be done in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a microwave.

Other Seasoning Ideas

The simple combination of spices in this recipe truly provides amazing flavor to the baked chicken. Since this recipe is really foolproof, you can switch the seasonings and still have great results. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Italian: 2 tea. garlic powder, 1 tea. Italian seasoning, 1 tea. paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lemon Pepper: 2 tea. lemon pepper, 2 tea. garlic powder, 1 tea. onion powder, 1 tea. dried parsley.
• Poultry Seasoning: 2 tea. dried basil, 2 tea. dried rosemary, 1 tea. garlic powder, 1 tea. paprika, 1 tea. dried thyme, 1 tea. dried mustard, 1/2 tea. onion powder, 1/4 tea. dried sage, 1/8 tea. cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper

Make A Side Dish In The Same Oven

To save time and energy, you can also bake a side dish in the same oven as your chicken drumsticks. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of your side dish should be different than the chickens.

For example, vegetables should be cooked to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) while potatoes should reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).

That way you can cook both your main course and side dish at the same time without worrying about overcooking or undercooking either one.

Cooking Tips For Success

• Pat the chicken dries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and then coat the drumsticks with olive oil before seasoning. These steps are very important if you want crispy, golden-brown skin.
• Lay the chicken legs on the baking sheet with enough room around each so they’re not touching. Having proper heat circulation while baking is key for even cooking.
• If you want to boost the crispiness of the skin, you can broil the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the legs to prevent them from burning.
• It’s best to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
• If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

How To Make Chicken Drumsticks Crispy

• Bake them for a longer period of time. For example, if you want your chicken to be golden brown and crispy, you can bake it for 35 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Chicken should be cut into smaller pieces. The chicken will cook more quickly as a result, and the skin will also get crispier.
• Apply skin-on chicken. While baking, the skin keeps the meat moist and helps to protect it.
• Apply some olive oil to the chicken. This will aid in producing a crunchy exterior.
• Bake the chicken for the entire suggested baking time. Avoid the temptation to take the chicken out of the oven too soon since the mushy skin will result.
• Before serving, let the chicken slightly cool. The flavor will be preserved, and the chicken will stay beautiful and crispy, thanks to this.

What To Serve With Chicken Drumsticks?

Baked chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. They are great as parts of the main course, such as alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. They are also delicious as part of a summer barbecue, served with coleslaw and grilled corn. Or for something different, try serving them with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese. However you serve them, baked chicken drumsticks are sure to be a hit!

FAQs For “How Long To Cook Bake Chicken Drumsticks At 400?”

Are Chicken Drumsticks Healthy?

Yes, chicken drumsticks are a healthy option when it comes to protein. They’re lean meat and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

What should the internal temperature of my chicken drumstick be when cooked?

The internal temperature of your chicken drumstick should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken before serving.

Now that you know how long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, we hope you’ll try this recipe! Let us know how it turns out by leaving a comment below.

Can I use frozen chicken legs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken legs for this recipe. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. This means that you should cook your chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. The internal temperature should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should I rinse chicken legs before baking?

No, you should not rinse chicken legs before baking. Rinsing chicken can actually increase your risk of food poisoning. Chicken legs should be washed with soap and water before cooking.

Do I need to cover chicken legs when baking?

No, you do not need to cover chicken legs when baking. the uncovered chicken will actually result in juicier and more flavorful meat.

Do I need to use a meat thermometer?

Yes, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of your chicken should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should I line my baking sheet?

It’s not necessary to line your baking sheet, but doing so will make cleanup easier. You can line your baking sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a Silpat mat.

Do I need to worry about pink chicken?

No, you don’t need to worry about pink chicken. Pink chicken is perfectly safe to eat as long as it’s cooked through. The internal temperature of your chicken should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

What if my chicken is overcooked?

If your chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. To avoid overcooking your chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. The internal temperature should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to know when chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of your chicken should be 158 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check to see if the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken is not yet cooked through.

Can I use bone-in chicken legs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken legs for this recipe. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Can I use skin-on chicken legs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken legs for this recipe. The skin will help to keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Conclusion

Cooking time for chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit varies depending on the size of the drumstick and your oven. Overall, they should be cooked for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent them from burning. Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes this information was useful to you!