I love how these baked garlic Parmesan chicken drumsticks turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all while being incredibly simple to make. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a bold, savory coating that feels comforting and homemade, just like something I remember from family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses everyday ingredients and delivers big flavor without any complicated steps. I can prep everything in minutes, let the oven do the work, and still end up with chicken that feels special enough for a weekend meal or casual gathering. I also appreciate that it’s baked, not fried, so it feels lighter while still being satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
10–12 chicken drumsticks
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish or lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. I pat the chicken drumsticks dry so the coating sticks better.
In a large bowl, I mix the olive oil or melted butter with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I add the drumsticks and toss them until they’re fully coated. After that, I sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and gently mix again, making sure each piece is well covered.
I arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking dish and place them in the oven. I bake them for about 40 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until they’re golden, crispy, and cooked through. If I want extra color, I broil them for a couple of minutes at the end.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano when I want a sharper flavor. If I’m craving heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika to the garlic mixture. For a herbier version, I like mixing in dried Italian seasoning or rosemary before baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes so the skin stays crispy. I avoid the microwave when possible because it softens the coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
I can easily substitute bone-in, skin-on thighs, adjusting the cooking time slightly if they’re larger.
Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
I like flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning, but they’ll still cook through if I skip it.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
I can leave out the Parmesan and add extra seasoning, though the flavor will be different without the cheese.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and that the juices run clear.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
I often coat the chicken a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these baked garlic Parmesan chicken drumsticks because they’re reliable, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether I serve them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables, they always feel like a comforting meal that everyone enjoys.
These Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold garlic-Parmesan flavor. A simple, oven-baked recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
10–12 chicken drumsticks
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and gently mix to coat the chicken well.
Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Garnish with optional dried parsley or Italian seasoning before serving.
Notes
Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
Add paprika or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Coating the chicken ahead of time enhances flavor—store covered in the fridge until baking.
Reheat in the oven for best results; avoid microwaving to keep the skin crispy.
Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—internal temp should reach 165°F.
