Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/4 cup olive oil - Additional spices or herbs for customization - Alternative coatings (e.g., crushed cornflakes) - Garlic aioli - Spicy ranch dressing The ingredients for crunchy garlic Parmesan chicken drumsticks are simple yet full of flavor. You need fresh chicken drumsticks as your base. The panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty taste. The minced garlic brings a robust flavor that makes the dish shine. Using dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds depth to the taste. You can spice it up with paprika and cayenne pepper if you enjoy heat. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. To create the coating, mix the breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and herbs in a bowl. The flour helps the egg stick to the chicken. Beating the eggs ensures they coat the drumsticks evenly. The olive oil will help crisp everything up in the oven. Feel free to add your favorite spices or even try crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for a new twist. Dipping sauces can elevate your meal. I love garlic aioli or spicy ranch for extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. First, you need a hot oven. This helps the chicken cook well. The parchment paper keeps the drumsticks from sticking. It also makes clean-up easy. - Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and spices in a mixing bowl. In a large bowl, mix these items well: - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste This mixture gives the chicken great flavor. The cheese and herbs make it rich. Garlic adds a nice kick. - Flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating process. You will coat the chicken in three steps: 1. First, take each drumstick and coat it in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Shake off the extra flour. 2. Next, dip it into 2 beaten eggs. Let the extra egg drip off. 3. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down lightly so it sticks. Repeat this for all 8 drumsticks. Each piece should be well coated. This helps create a crispy crust. - Instructions for placing drumsticks and drizzling with oil. - Baking time and temperature details. Place the coated drumsticks on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space. Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over them to help with crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You want them golden brown. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Flip the drumsticks halfway through baking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay crunchy. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy, which gives the best texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be softer and less crispy. Make sure to coat the drumsticks well. This helps the crumbs stick better. Also, use olive oil wisely. Drizzle just enough to coat the drumsticks lightly. This will help them brown and crisp up nicely. Flipping the drumsticks is key. Turn them halfway through baking. This ensures all sides cook evenly. You want them golden brown all around. It helps to set a timer for flipping. This way, you won’t forget! For more flavor, marinate the drumsticks before coating. Use garlic, herbs, or your favorite spices. Letting them sit for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference. You can also add spices to the breadcrumb mix. A pinch of extra paprika or cayenne can boost the taste. Try different herbs to find your best mix! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, always opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They create a delightful crunch! Marinate for Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken drumsticks in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before coating. This enhances the flavor immensely. Rest After Baking: Allow the drumsticks to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend by adding your favorite seasonings, such as lemon zest or smoked paprika, for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can make these drumsticks spicy by adding more cayenne pepper. If you want more heat, try some hot sauce in the batter. This will give your chicken a nice kick. You can add one tablespoon of hot sauce to the egg mixture. It will make each bite exciting and flavorful. Feel free to switch up the herbs in this recipe. Instead of just dried Italian herbs, you can use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These herbs will give your chicken a fresh and fragrant taste. Simply chop the herbs finely and mix them into the breadcrumb mixture. This small change can bring a whole new flavor to your dish. If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy to adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy the crunchy garlic Parmesan goodness without worry. Just make sure to check your labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. To keep your drumsticks fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your drumsticks, the oven works best. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, they can get soggy. If you must use a microwave, cover them with a paper towel. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. To freeze cooked drumsticks, first let them cool completely. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any air. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Just make sure to reheat them properly after thawing for the best taste. Cook chicken drumsticks for 35-40 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This ensures they become golden brown and safe to eat. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe for you and your guests. If you want extra crispiness, flip the drumsticks halfway through baking. Yes, you can use skinless drumsticks. However, this may change the texture. The skin helps lock in moisture and adds a crispy bite. Without skin, your drumsticks may be less juicy and not as crunchy. You could try adding more breadcrumbs or adjusting the cooking time to keep them tender. These drumsticks pair well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas: - Garlic mashed potatoes - Fresh garden salad - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Roasted sweet potatoes - Coleslaw for a crunchy contrast You can also serve dipping sauces like garlic aioli or ranch dressing for added flavor. Enjoy! In this post, I shared a simple and tasty way to make crunchy garlic Parmesan chicken drumsticks. You learned about the essential ingredients, easy steps to prepare them, and tips for achieving the perfect crispiness. Remember, you can customize the flavors to your liking and even explore gluten-free options. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so get started on this delicious recipe! Your kitchen adventures await, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy your tasty creation.$

Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously crispy chicken drumsticks coated in garlic, Parmesan, and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
0.25 cup olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the garlic and spices are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
Take each chicken drumstick and first coat it in flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip the floured drumstick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, roll the drumstick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well. Repeat this step for all drumsticks.
Place the coated drumsticks on the lined baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil over them to help with crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Flip the drumsticks halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with garlic aioli or spicy ranch for added flavor.

Keyword baked, chicken, drumsticks, garlic, parmesan