To quote the slogan of the late Colonel Sanders, these Oven Baked Drumsticks are “finger lickin good” and I most definitely concur. I did a little Google research on the King of Fried Chicken and what an interesting life he led. It’s way too long to give you a write up on his life, but, if you get bored or while eating this delicious chicken recipe that was made, then, Google: Colonel Sanders. He didn’t start KFC until the age of 65. And, he lived to be 90 years old, so he must have been doing something right. While he explored many different careers, his heart always led him back to cooking.
And, if you love to cook like I do, this oven baked chicken will not disappoint your tastebuds. I don’t know what 11 herbs and spices Colonel Sanders used, but for this recipe, I used 7.
I like to use what’s in my pantry and create special rubs from there. I used poultry seasoning, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. After rinsing the drumsticks and patting them dry, I then placed them in a large bowl filled with the seasonings and two tablespoons of olive oil. Once they were coated with the rub, I placed them on a foiled lined baking sheet and placed them in the oven for 50 minutes at 425°F.
I just love chicken served many different ways. I know I’m getting my protein which includes the many amino acids my body needs. That is why I often choose baking over frying for most of my recipes. I was never a big fan of grease popping all over my stove top and on me, so that is reason enough to let the oven do the cooking. I like to keep things simple and love easy clean up. For this dish, after the chicken cools a little, you only have to place the drumsticks on a pretty plate or platter, throw away the foil, and give your baking sheet a good wipe. See how easy that sounds?
Frying takes more work. And, what do people do with all of that leftover grease anyway? Which conjures up a childhood memory. I remember when I was very young and well into my teenage years, going to both my grandmothers’ homes every summer. Back in the day, in the 90’s, when I would visit them, (my paternal grandma lived in Virginia, and, my maternal grandma lived in North Carolina.) they would have the Crisco can sitting on the kitchen counter, where they poured the old grease back into the Crisco can to be reused for the next frying. The food was “finger lickin good” but I’m sure if I lived down there permanently, I would not have made the healthiest food choices. Those memories are precious to me and how I miss both my grandparents’ delicious, simple and budget friendly meals. I still cannot figure out how they made so much food with leftovers galore.
For this oven baked drumstick dish, I promise, no Crisco involved. All you will need is your appetite and Oops, I almost forgot, your fingers, to enjoy all of the good lickin or smacking of your lips. Enjoy!
What do you think about substituting chicken thighs?
Made these just as the recipe reads, except i doubled it and baked them 40 minutes. Very good! my family loved them. Leftovers were just as tasty. So easy and no mess.
do you take the skin off before baking?
Thank You