Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 3 large garlic cloves (minced); 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 8 chicken drumsticks (skin removed); cooking spray (or additional olive oil (for searing))

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I've made drumsticks before, but never like this. These were so good, I had to share the recipe. The ginger-base seasoning in these Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks makes them so flavorful and aromatic! The breadcrumbs add crispiness. The parmesan cheese adds that little bit of nutty flavor. All the ingredients just work so well together and make one tasty dish! Plus, this post now includes an easy air fryer option for a faster, super crispy result!

Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks in a white bowl.

The drumsticks are great any day of the week and for any occasion. Like these Maple Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings and the Sweet and Savory Stuffed Chicken Quarters, they're perfect to make for a friend gathering or even a Super Bowl party! Everyone will love that subtly spicy ginger flavor!

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Reasons to Love These Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Substitutions and variations
Preparation
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving suggestions
Storing and reheating
Tips for reheating
Try these meat favorites
Recipe
Comments

Reasons to Love These Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks

It's Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and paprika creates a bold, aromatic flavor!
Crispy and Juicy: The coating of egg, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, followed by searing, ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
Simple and Quick: The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require complicated techniques or ingredients. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
It's Definitely Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating and mild yet flavorful seasoning make this dish a great family-friendly meal option. If you're looking for other kid-friendly recipes, these Chicken in Spaghetti Nests or these Breakfast Popovers are a must-try!
Meal Prep Friendly: Like this Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Vegetables, the drumsticks can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Ingredients

all ingrediets of Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks labeled.

Chicken Drumsticks: if you are able to purchase skinless drumsticks, that's great. If not, remove the skin. Or, you may want to keep the skin on.
Seasonings: salt, ground black pepper, paprika. That's it!
Fresh ginger root: peeled and grated. Ginger is key in this recipe! It is what gives this dish a distinct flavor. We also love it in this Pan-Seared salmon with Vegetables dish and in the dressing seasoning of this Asparagus Kale Salad.
Garlic: 2-3 crushed garlic cloves add more flavor and aroma
Breadcrumbs: for that slight crispiness. You should also try the Beef and Popcorn Shrimp Tacos, Kohlrabi Schnitzel, and these Baked Beer-Battered Onion Rings if you enjoy recipes with breadcrumb ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese: for that subtle nutty flavor

see the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient list and quantities.

Substitutions and variations

Breadcrumbs: for a lighter, crunchier coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also use some crushed crackers (like Ritz) or cornflakes (as we do in this Cinnamon Crunch French Toast recipe) for a more unique alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: If you want a sharper flavor, substitute parmesan with pecorino romano. Or, mix some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese with the parmesan for a gooey, cheesy crust. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger, use ground ginger instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Or, you can use pre-minced ginger paste, which works well if you prefer a more convenient option.
Make it spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning rub. Or, mix some hot sauce into the egg wash for an extra spicy coating.
Add Fresh Herbs: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist. You can also brush the drumsticks with melted herbed butter before coating them for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it in an air fryer: You can easily make these ginger chicken drumsticks in your air fryer for a quicker cooking time and extra crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), place the drumsticks in a single layer, and cook for about 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid over-browning. This method locks in flavor and gives you that perfect crispy coating.

Preparation

STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.

STEP 2: Prepare rub and coatings

whisked eggs, seasonings, and breadcrumbs, each in separate bowls.

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. In another shallow dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

STEP 3: Season

raw and seasoned chicken drumsticks on a white plate.

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.

STEP 4: Sear

chicken drumsticks searing on a non-stick pan over the stove.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Sear the coated drumsticks for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step adds extra crispiness.

STEP 5: Bake

seared chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet.

Transfer the seared drumsticks to the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Top Tips

If you have extra time, marinating the drumsticks in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge adds even more flavor.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese, which has better flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even some herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. This ensures that every layer of the coating is well-seasoned. Just be careful not to overseason.
Make sure the pan is hot before you start searing the drumsticks. This will give them a nice golden crust without overcooking the interior.
When searing and baking, ensure the drumsticks have enough space between them. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing or crisping.
Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making them juicier and more flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I flip over the drumsticks halfway through cooking?

If you’re baking the drumsticks directly on a baking sheet without a wire rack, flipping them halfway through will help achieve an even crispiness on both sides and prevent one side from becoming soggy. Flipping is generally unnecessary if you're using a wire rack as it calls for in the recipe. The air circulates around the drumsticks, ensuring even cooking on all sides. However, if you notice one side browning faster than the other, you can flip them.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. Ensure that the parmesan cheese is gluten-free as some pre-grated options may have additives.

Serving suggestions

These Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks go great with so many dishes. You can serve them with these Mashed Potatoes Without Butter, rice, or pasta. Add a salad and you have a full meal.

Here are some of our favorite dishes that go great with the drumsticks:

Storing and reheating

Storing: To store leftovers, allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy. Once cooled, place the drumsticks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: It's best to reheat the drumsticks in the oven (at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes), but you can also use an air fryer (at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes), or you can reheat them by searing them in a pan with a little bit of oil. I do not recommend reheating the drumsticks in a microwave if you'd like to keep the crispiness. To reheat in the oven

Tips for reheating

Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Refresh the Coating: If the coating has lost its crispiness, you can add second coating (double coating) with a little extra whisked egg and then the breadcrumb and cheese mixture.

Try these meat favorites

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