Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Ever since I first made these Cajun chicken drumsticks, they’ve become a regular at our dinner table. There’s just something special about them – the spice mix gives this nice kick and amazing herbal flavors that make every bite really delicious.

What I love most is that the recipe is foolproof and simple. You don’t need to be a master chef or buy any fancy ingredients – just the right spices, fresh lemon, and some time in the oven. And the smell while they’re cooking? Amazing!

The secret is in how all the ingredients work together. The smoked paprika gives it depth, the lemon adds freshness, and the thyme and oregano tie everything together perfectly. That’s probably why, even though it’s a simple dish, we still haven’t gotten tired of it.

Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

Cajun Chicken Drumsticks bring the bold flavors of Louisiana to your dinner table. This dish combines juicy chicken with a spicy, aromatic blend of herbs and spices, creating a meal that's both comforting and exciting. Rooted in the resourceful cooking traditions of Acadian settlers, these drumsticks offer a delicious way to experience the rich culinary heritage of Cajun cuisine.

Easy

Author: David Gully Cooking Methods: Oven Roasting, Roasting Cuisines: Cajun Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Keto Low Carb Non Vegetarian Spicy

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner Cook Time: 200 C Servings: 4 Best season: Suitable throughout the year

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and basil. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.

Mark as complete

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.

Mark as complete

Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the chicken, making sure to cover all sides. Rub the spices into the meat to ensure even coverage.

Mark as complete

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

Mark as complete

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

Mark as complete

Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. If you have special chicken leg stands, you can use those instead. These methods allow air to circulate around the drumsticks, resulting in more even cooking and crispier skin.

Mark as complete

Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack or chicken leg stands, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and browning.

Mark as complete

Place the baking sheet with the rack or stands in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. There's no need to turn the drumsticks during cooking when using a rack or stands.

Mark as complete

After removing from the oven, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.

Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g30%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Sodium 370mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
Protein 25g50%

* Disclaimer: The provided nutritional values are estimates only. Actual calorie and nutrient content can vary significantly depending on the specific products used, exact quantities, and preparation method. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Keywords: chicken, spicy, baked, easy dinner, Cajun

File under Cajun cuisine Chicken Easy Dinner Roasted Spicy

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically need a bit longer to cook through.

How can I check if the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time in two ways:
a) Marinating: You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
b) Fully cooked: You can completely bake the drumsticks, let them cool, and then store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheated drumsticks might not be as crispy as freshly baked ones.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne or add hot sauce to the marinade.

Can I grill these instead of baking them?

Absolutely! You can grill them. Heat your grill to medium-high and grill for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

How long can I store leftovers?

Baked drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In the freezer, they'll keep for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice blends to make sure they don't contain any gluten-containing additives.

What sides go well with these Cajun chicken drumsticks?

These drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. For an authentic Cajun experience, serve them with dirty rice or red beans and rice.

Can I use the same spice mix for other meats?

Absolutely! This Cajun spice mix works great on pork, beef, fish, and even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type and cut of protein you're using.

How can I make a healthier version of these drumsticks?

To reduce calories and fat, you can remove the skin before seasoning. You can also use chicken breasts or skinless thighs. Keep in mind, though, that the skin helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. Chicken drumsticks with skin are high in fat and protein while being very low in carbs. The spice mix used in this recipe adds minimal carbohydrates. However, be mindful of your sides - choose low-carb options like leafy greens or non-starchy vegetables to keep your meal keto-compliant.

Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks