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    Home » Recipes

    Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

    December 17, 2019 *Updated* September 18, 2020 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 144 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks will quickly become a family favourite. Love crispy skin chicken? This is for you.

    Crushed tortilla chips and Mexican seasoning are the secret ingredients. This chicken drum recipe is sure to be a winner in your house.

    A pile of the Crispy Drumsticks piled on a plate.

    I love breaded chicken baked in the oven. Getting all the crispy goodness with oven-fried chicken instead of deep-frying is a winner for sure.

    So much easier, not to mention healthier too.

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    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this crispy chicken recipe can be found at the bottom of this post.

    This is a super easy chicken drumstick recipe. In my opinion, drumsticks are the best part.

    These juicy tender chicken legs are coated, then baked! Did you know you can get extra-crispy results without using Panko breadcrumbs and buttermilk?

    Once you try these you will be hooked. Biting through that crispy tortilla crusted, Mexican seasoned skin to the juicy meat underneath is a party in your mouth. Make lots, the family will be fighting for the last one. Our favourite oven-fried chicken hands down.

    You Will Need:

    All it takes is Mexican seasoning and tortilla chips to make the most delicious crispy chicken you have EVER tasted.

    • chicken drumsticks
    • avocado oil
    • tortilla chips
    • Mexican seasoning

    The seasoning can be your own homemade blend, or store-bought (that’s what I used). Most often I make my own blends, EXCEPT when I can get my hands on some REALLY GOOD blends.

    The blend I used in this drumstick recipe is called Mexican Kitchen Cartel, and it is made by The Spice Company. There are LOTS of great blends to choose from (and cool names to go along with them too).

    Coated drumsticks on a baking tray ready to go into the oven.

    Crumb Coating Chicken

    The secret to making crispy baked chicken without frying is the crumb coating and leaving the skin on. YES, you can get a crispy crust with this recipe. If you love southern-fried, THIS is better!

    Removing the skin still produces tasty results. If you are looking for that crunchy sound and crisp texture, it is all about the skin. 

    There are several options for the crumb coating. For this recipe, I used crushed tortilla chips. Panko breadcrumbs or crackers are great, and so are cornflakes.

    Have you ever had cornflake chicken? I remember my mom making that when I was a kid. These oven-fried chicken drumsticks are even better!

    Raw drumsticks on a plate, crushed tortilla chips in a bowl to coat the chicken.

    How To Bake Chicken Drumsticks

    Some baked chicken recipes use the “flour-egg-crumb method” to coat the chicken. My method is way easier, which means less mess and fewer dishes. 

    • Wash the drumsticks and pat dry.
    • Place crushed tortilla chips in a large bowl.
    • Generously rub Mexican seasoning on each piece of chicken. 
    • One at a time, take a drumstick and brush it with oil and generously coat it with the crushed tortilla chips.
    • Place on a baking sheet and cook until golden brown.

    While this chicken bakes, the aroma will have you licking your lips in anticipation of the deliciousness that is only a few minutes away.

    Close up of the drumsticks right out of the oven.

    Recipe Tips

    • Be sure to a foil-lined *(affiliate) baking sheet coated with cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze.
    • For this recipe, I used regular tortilla chips. Feel free to try blue chips or lime flavoured chips. Doritos would work as well (you could skip the seasoning all together).
    • If you don’t have Mexican seasoning, *(affiliate) taco seasoning would work fine.
    How long do you cook chicken drumsticks in the oven?

    I baked these for 25 minutes at 400º F.  The safe internal temperature of poultry is 165º F. I like to use an *(affiliate)instant-read thermometer to be sure.

    Can you freeze baked chicken?

    Yes, you certainly can. In fact, I love to have some leftovers for another meal. Chicken is best reheated from frozen. Do not cover while heating to ensure crispy results. I would heat it around 400º F until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

     

    Close up of 2 drumsticks on a plate with some fries.

    This crispy chicken recipe is so full of flavour, all it takes is some simple sides for the perfect weeknight dinner. 

    • A simple cucumber salad is nice and refreshing. If it is the right time of year a snap pea salad would pair well too.
    • Looking for a few condiments? Pickled onions and zucchini pickles would be great.
    • You can never go wrong with crispy fries or baked beans to round out the meal. 
    • Of course, onion rings are always a hit too.

    Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a favourite around here. Takeout doesn’t have a chance in our house. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and I guarantee your family won’t complain if you have leftovers either. 

    Loving the idea of oven fried recipes? Here are a few more to try.

    • Baked Popcorn Shrimp
    • Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
    • Oven-Fried Tofu

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    Crispy Chicken Drumsticks Pin Image
    A pile of the Crispy Drumsticks piled on a plate.

    Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Mexican Inspiration

    Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Mexican Inspiration are finger licking good. Tortilla chips and Mexican seasoning combine to make these crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavour.
    5 from 81 votes
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    Course: Main Course, meat
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Keyword: crispy chicken, oven fried chicken
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 499kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 8 chicken drumsticks
    • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 4 ounces tortilla chips (crushed)
    • 3 tablespoons Mexican seasoning
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400º F and line baking sheet with foil, and spray with cooking spray.
    • Wash chicken drumsticks and pat dry. Place on a plate.
    • Crush tortilla chips using a food processor. You can also place them in a plastic bag and crush them with your hand. Place the crushed chips in a large bowl. Set aside.
    • Put your oil and Mexican seasoning in bowls and set aside.
    • Generously rub each drumstick with the Mexican seasoning, making sure to cover it all over. Place on a plate.
    • Working with one piece of chicken at a time, lightly brush some oil on the drumstick. Place it in the tortilla chips and nicely coat. Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet.
      Continue this with each piece of chicken.
    • Place the baking sheet into the pre heated oven, and bake until golden brown, and crispy (about 25 minutes), turning ½ way through.
    • When cooked, remove from oven.
    • ENJOY!!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1091mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela

      October 24, 2022 at 11:49 pm

      This was so amazing! The entire family love it, can’t wait to make it again!!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        October 25, 2022 at 10:13 am

        We love these baked chicken drumsticks too.

    2. Emily Liao

      September 20, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      These drumsticks were amazing! Loved how crispy they actually came out 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        September 23, 2020 at 8:44 am

        OMG these are so good. I always make a double batch.

    3. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      September 20, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      We absolutely adore this chicken, one of our go to weekday meals! So delicious.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        September 20, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        So glad your family loves this as much as we do.

    4. Anita

      September 20, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      We love the coating for the fried chicken. It’s so unique and it won’t be the last time I make fried chicken this way. 🙂

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        September 20, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        I know right? This chicken coating ROCKS!!

    5. Emmeline

      September 20, 2020 at 10:53 am

      Love this idea!! So easy to make and oh my god, corn chips as breading… genious!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        September 20, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        HAHAH…I knew you would love this recipe.

    6. Carmy

      January 08, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Love the tortilla crumb coating! It looks like it’d give such a nice crunch to the drumsticks. Definitely will be making some soon!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 09, 2020 at 9:47 am

        Hope you give this recipe a try. It is a favourite around here.

    7. Dana

      January 07, 2020 at 10:27 am

      These are so tasty and honestly, they’re nostalgic to me. They remind me so much of chicken drumsticks the way my Mom made them when I was a kid. Since getting into cooking, I find I’m always trying to find new ways of doing things. Sometimes I forget the tried and true ways!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        January 09, 2020 at 9:45 am

        Yes it does remind me of my childhood too. The tortilla chips really add some nice crunch….a nice twist to the recipe.

    8. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)

      December 18, 2019 at 10:21 am

      I’m absolutely in love with the crunch on this. It is seriously wonderful!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:10 pm

        This is super crunchy…the tortilla chips work so well in the recipe. I hope you give it a try.

    9. Julia

      December 18, 2019 at 10:00 am

      What an interesting recipe. Love that they are baked in the oven instead of frying.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:11 pm

        So much healthier than fried chicken, not to mentions less mess too. ENJOY!

    10. Annie @ Annie's Noms

      December 18, 2019 at 9:29 am

      If you hadn’t said this was baked, I’d have thought they were fried!! They look amazingly crisp and golden. I’m trying so hard to be good before Christmas as I know over the festive period I will indulge. However, I don’t want bland, beige food!! Definitely trying this chicken as it looks divine!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:11 pm

        My family LOVES this recipe. I think they could eat it everyday!!

    11. Jordin

      December 18, 2019 at 9:21 am

      Chicken dinners are always a go-to in my house! This will be our new recipe we try out, looks super easy & delicious!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        December 18, 2019 at 12:12 pm

        Hope your family loves this as much as mine does.

    12. Jenni LeBaron

      September 01, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      I’ve never thought to use crushed tortilla chips as a breading but that is really clever. I bet those add the perfect amount of crunch to the outside of these drumsticks. I also love the Mexican seasoning flavors.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        September 02, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        OMG…give this a try and just see how delicious it is. We LOVE this, the best ever!!

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