Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon mixed dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten well - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Gather these ingredients for a tasty treat. Chicken drumsticks bring a juicy base. Panko breadcrumbs give the crunch. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. For seasoning, I love using garlic. It gives flavor that everyone enjoys. The mixed dried Italian herbs add a nice touch too. Paprika brings color, while cayenne pepper can add heat if you like spice. Don’t forget salt and black pepper for balance. For binding, all-purpose flour helps the coating stick well. Beaten eggs serve the same purpose. Finally, olive oil helps crisp up the drumsticks during baking. With these ingredients, you're on your way to making a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating and Lining the Baking Sheet First, I set my oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps make the chicken crispy. Next, I line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes clean-up easy and helps the chicken brown better. 2. Mixing the Breadcrumb Coating Ingredients In a big mixing bowl, I combine the following: - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon mixed dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you want some heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste I mix these ingredients well. This mix gives the chicken its crunchy and tasty coating. 1. Dredging in Flour I take one chicken drumstick and coat it in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. I shake off any extra flour to ensure an even layer. 2. Dipping in Beaten Eggs Next, I dip the floured drumstick into 2 large beaten eggs. I let any excess egg drip back into the bowl. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. 3. Rolling in Breadcrumb Mixture Finally, I roll the drumstick in the breadcrumb mixture. I press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. I repeat this for all the drumsticks. 1. Arranging on the Baking Sheet I place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. I make sure they have some space between them for even cooking. 2. Drizzling with Olive Oil I drizzle the drumsticks lightly with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. This step helps them bake to a golden brown and adds flavor. 3. Baking Time and Temperature Details I bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. I check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Halfway through baking, I flip the drumsticks for even crispiness. After baking, I let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy. To get that amazing crunch, panko breadcrumbs are key. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. This makes your chicken drumsticks extra crunchy. When you coat the drumsticks, make sure to press the panko firmly. This helps it stick better. Using olive oil is important for browning. Drizzle a little over the coated drumsticks before baking. This not only helps them brown but also adds rich flavor. You want that golden color and crisp texture! Flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking is a must. This ensures both sides get equally crispy. Set a timer for about 20 minutes into baking. Turn them gently to keep the coating intact. Check the internal temperature to make sure they are done. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken safe to eat and juicy inside. A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this. For a stunning presentation, serve the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board. Add freshly chopped parsley for color. You can also use lemon wedges for a bright touch. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken. A side of garlic aioli or spicy ranch adds fun flavors. This makes your meal more interactive and delicious! Pro Tips Preheat Properly: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking and to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, consider double dipping the drumsticks in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. Season the Flour: Add some seasoning to your flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor that seeps into the chicken. Rest Before Serving: Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for juicier meat. {{image_4}} You can spice up your drumsticks with some heat. Adding cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. If you want more, try crushed red pepper flakes. These options add flavor without much effort. For cheese lovers, you can try different cheeses. Mozzarella melts well and adds a stretchy texture. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while feta offers a tangy twist. Choose what you love best. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They give a similar crunch without the gluten. Also, almond flour can work as a great substitute for all-purpose flour. For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs. Instead, coat your drumsticks in crushed pork rinds. They give a tasty crunch and fit low-carb diets perfectly. You still get that delightful crunch you crave! After enjoying your crunchy garlic Parmesan chicken drumsticks, store any leftovers right away. Refrigeration guidelines say to cool the drumsticks to room temperature before putting them in the fridge. This helps keep them fresh. Place them in a container with a lid to avoid drying out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Best containers for storage are airtight ones. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, best methods for reheating include the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy. If you use an air fryer, set it to 360°F (182°C). Reheat for about 8-10 minutes. Ensuring the drumsticks remain crispy is key. You can also place a rack in the oven. This allows air to circulate, which helps keep that crunch! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor. They may need a longer cooking time. Drumsticks usually bake for about 35-40 minutes, while thighs may take 45-50 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. To cook these drumsticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Follow the same coating steps. Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. Again, ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Try serving them with: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread - Spicy ranch dipping sauce These sides balance the rich, crunchy chicken perfectly. In this post, we explored how to create Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks. I covered the main ingredients, including chicken, panko, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, coating, and baking. We also discussed tips for achieving a perfect crunch and variations for different diets. For a tasty meal, follow these steps closely. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your cooking!$

Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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 panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon mixed dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten well
0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and crispier chicken.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the spices and garlic are evenly dispersed throughout.
In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. In another separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and well combined.
Take one chicken drumstick and coat it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even layer.
Next, plunge the floured drumstick into the beaten eggs, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl.
Finally, roll the drumstick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick and create a hearty crust. Repeat this process for each drumstick.
Arrange the breaded drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil to promote browning and crunchiness during baking.
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip the drumsticks halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Once baked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

For added indulgence, serve with a side of garlic aioli or a zesty spicy ranch dipping sauce.

Keyword chicken, crispy, drumsticks, garlic, Parmesan