Oven Roasted Drumstick Chicken With Paprika

Name: Oven Roasted Drumstick Chicken With Paprika
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 3 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Staples

I absolutely love preparing Oven Roasted Drumstick Chicken with Paprika for my family on cozy evenings. This dish brings a warmth and a touch of spice to our dinner table that feels comforting yet indulgent. The crispy skin paired with the smoky paprika creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, ensuring there are rarely any leftovers. I can confidently say that this recipe has become a staple in our household, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-27T15:53:35.007Z

When I first attempted Oven Roasted Drumstick Chicken with Paprika, I was fascinated by how a simple spice could transform a basic dish into something extraordinary. The trick lies in seasoning the chicken generously, allowing the flavors to seep in as it cooks. I found that letting the chicken marinate for just a short while before roasting makes a significant difference in taste.

During my trials, I also discovered that placing the drumsticks on a wire rack while roasting aids in achieving that crispy skin everybody loves. The chicken cooks evenly, and the skin becomes perfectly golden brown. This dish has quickly become a favorite in our weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The smoky paprika gives a delightful flavor but is not overpowering.
Crispy skin on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
Quick preparation and cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights.

Choosing the Right Chicken

When selecting chicken drumsticks for this recipe, look for pieces that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Typically, organic or free-range chicken can offer better flavor and texture due to how they are raised. Alternatively, purchasing from a trusted local butcher can often guarantee fresher meat. If you find that the drumsticks are too large, you may want to spatchcock them, which involves cutting down the sides of the bones to make them flatter for quicker, more even roasting.

Another option is to use skin-on, bone-in thighs for a different flavor profile and tenderness. If you opt for boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they remain juicy and fully cooked.

Perfecting the Paprika Marinade

The combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in the marinade not only provides a robust flavor but also contributes to the beautiful color of the chicken. Paprika can vary in intensity, so choose a sweet or smoked variety depending on your preference. For additional heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the marinade, balancing the smoky notes with a hint of spice.

Ensure that the marinade is well mixed until it has a glossy consistency. It should easily coat the chicken without being too thick or runny. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing its taste during the roasting process.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve your paprika chicken alongside seasonal roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice can pair perfectly, allowing the smoky notes of the chicken to shine through. Additionally, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon over the chicken just before serving can brighten the flavors and elevate the dish.

If you have leftovers, store the drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can easily reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through while maintaining the crispy skin. To freeze, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months frozen, ready to be enjoyed again with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Oven Roasted Drumstick Chicken with Paprika

8 chicken drumsticks
3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients on hand for a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your dish:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure the chicken gets that crispy skin when roasting.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

Arrange for Roasting

Place the marinated drumsticks on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This setup helps the heat circulate around the chicken.

Roast the Chicken

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your delicious oven roasted drumstick chicken!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add cayenne pepper to the marinade. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting

If your chicken skin isn’t getting crispy, ensure you’re using enough oil in the marinade and that the oven is preheated correctly. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; allowing space for air circulation is crucial for achieving that desired crunch. If you find that the underside of your chicken is brown but not crispy, consider flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Another common issue is undercooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C). If the chicken hasn’t reached this temperature after the cooking time, extend it in 5-minute increments, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Variations

While paprika is the star of this dish, feel free to experiment with other spices for different flavor profiles. Try adding ground cumin for a warm, earthy taste, or lemon zest for a refreshing tang. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporating dried oregano can yield excellent results. If you prefer a milder flavor, smoked paprika will enhance the smokiness without being overly spicy.

For a gluten-free option, this recipe is inherently free of gluten, but make sure to double-check that any pre-prepared spices or condiments do not contain hidden gluten sources. If you want to make it a bit more substantial, consider adding potatoes or sweet potatoes to the roasting pan, allowing them to cook in the chicken's delicious juices.

Scaling the Recipe

This oven-roasted drumstick recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for feeding larger groups. Simply increase the number of drumsticks and adjust the amount of marinade accordingly, keeping the ratios the same. If your oven capacity allows, consider using multiple racks to roast two sheets simultaneously, just switch their positions halfway through for even cooking.

If you’re planning a gathering or meal prep, cooking double the amount not only saves time but also ensures you'll have delicious leftovers for the upcoming week. Just be sure to have enough space to marinate them properly, as this step is key to enhancing flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs work well too! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight deepens the flavors.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken dish goes great with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.