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You are here: Home / Recipes / Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

December 17, 2019 *Updated* September 18, 2020 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 142 Comments

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

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 56 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
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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. Karyl Henry

    November 17, 2018 at 9:03 am

    OMG I love that you use crushed tortilla chips! What a great twist. And of course, the Mexican seasonings pull it all together. I’m definitely adding this one to my list

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      November 17, 2018 at 9:57 am

      I know, the tortilla chips add such great texture and flavour for sure. Hope you give this recipe a try.

  2. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

    March 09, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    I avoid fried foods too, but love that crunch on a good piece of fried chicken. Genius idea to use tortilla chips as the “crunch factor” and I’d never thought to season the chicken with more than salt and pepper. I’ll bet the kids just run to the table for this dinner!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      March 10, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      This is by far our favourite chicken recipe.

  3. Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts

    March 06, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I love the use of tortilla chips!! instant crunch without having to deep fry!!!
    Here in Australia one of the very famous brand has some limited addition flavours out. My favourite Southern fried chicken flavour. HOW GOOD WOULD THEY BE USED IN YOUR RECIPE?!?!?!!?

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      March 06, 2018 at 10:12 am

      Oh I bet those would be great for this recipe.

  4. Debs

    February 27, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    This is such a great way to avoid all the fat from frying. Love that you used tortilla chips too. They’ve got such a great crunch and hit of saltiness! Love it!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 27, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      Yes I totally agree. I am not a fan of fried food. This on the other hand…we cannot get enough of.

  5. Aish Padihari

    February 26, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    These look really yum. My mouth is watering/

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 26, 2018 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks for stopping by…hope you give this great and easy bread recipe a try.

  6. Tatiana

    February 26, 2018 at 2:45 am

    I see how crispy and delicious those drumsticks are through the screen. i am always looking for fun recipes for my little kids and happy when i find great ideas. thanks!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 26, 2018 at 6:01 am

      We I know the big kids here like this too.

  7. Jordan

    February 25, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    You’re a genius. I refuse to deep fry anything at home but I love crispy chicken. I would’ve never thought to use tortilla chips!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 25, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      OMG…this is SOOOOOO crispy.

  8. Jennifer

    February 25, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    I never would have thought to bread the chicken with tortilla chips! It looks perfectly crisp! Great recipe, thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 25, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      We love this recipe.

  9. Julie

    February 25, 2018 at 5:23 pm

    These do indeed look so crispy! It’s hard to get that crispy crunch from baking chicken – can’t wait to give this a try and bite in!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 25, 2018 at 9:00 pm

      Yes they are super crunchy….and SUPER delicious. Hope you give them a try.

  10. Amanda Mason

    February 24, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    This looks SO amazing!! I just printed this off so I can add it to my weekly menu!! Seriously – this looks SO GOOD!!!! Thank you for posting it! My kids are going to love this one!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 25, 2018 at 12:22 pm

      OMG…this is so good. It is our favourite by far. I know your kids will love it.

  11. Rachel

    February 23, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    Okay, I’ve never but tortilla chips on chicken before. This, with the spices is such a good idea. I’m totally going to be giving this recipe a try!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 24, 2018 at 5:47 pm

      We cannot get enough of this chicken.

  12. Carolyn

    February 23, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    This looks so crispy and delicious! Yum!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 23, 2018 at 9:50 pm

      It certainly is….hope you give it a try.

  13. prasanna hede

    February 23, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Absolutely loved the idea of baking! Crunchy crispy chicken yumm!

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 23, 2018 at 6:30 pm

      This is SOOOOO good. Hope you give it a try.

  14. Sharon

    February 22, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    These are definitely not your average chicken drumsticks and I love it! The chips and spice sure make these delicious and perfect for dinner any night of the week.

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 22, 2018 at 11:48 pm

      These are our favourite by far.

  15. Amelie

    February 22, 2018 at 7:13 am

    I always wonder how to make them crispy. Now I know how! Such a great idea to use tortilla chips.

    Reply
    • Homemade & Yummy

      February 22, 2018 at 11:50 pm

      The tortilla chips work awesome…and so crispy.

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