Get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with this easy oven-baked curry chicken drumsticks recipe that you will totally love!! These chicken legs are crispy, perfectly flavored with curry, and are keto, paleo, and whole 30 compliant!
Looking out for another easy recipe? Then try our Chermoula Spice, South African Yellow Rice, and Bavarian Potato Salad recipes, next!
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If you love chicken as I do, then you certainly want to check out these instant pot chicken wings cooked three ways, these air fryer chicken schnitzel, or this oven-baked chicken leg quarters recipe.
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why you will love this recipe
- Simple - this recipe is totally easy and makes use of just 5 everyday ingredients that you most probably have.
- Efficient - You can complete other tasks while the drumsticks bake.
- Healthy - just a bunch of spices and healthy good old olive oil.
- Cost friendly - Another thing, chicken legs are cost-friendly, in comparison to, for example, the wings. You basically, get more meat for less money.
ingredients
This is a summary of the ingredients you need to make these oven-baked curry chicken drumsticks. The full measurements have been provided in the recipe card below.
- Chicken legs (drumsticks): this recipe uses 7-8 pieces. I like to double or triple the portion, if having visitors or if we are basically too hungry. If you choose to make a batch, then use different trays or racks. I would say do not crowd them too much otherwise they will not be crispy.
- To prepare the marinade: some salt, olive oil, turmeric and curry powder.
how to make oven-baked curry chicken drumsticks
Here is a summary of how to go about it. Detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below:-
- First, clean the drumsticks and use a kitchen cloth or paper towel to pat them dry.
- Prepare the marinade.
- In a bowl, combine the marinade and chicken legs and give it some time to marinate.
- Next, preheat the oven and lay the chicken drumsticks on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
- Bake on the middle rack for 15 minutes, use a tong to turn the chicken legs, and bake further until done.
- Serve these baked curry chicken drumsticks with some mashed potatoes or cauliflower potatoes, salad, or a side of your choice.
storage instructions
Store these baked curry chicken drumsticks using air tight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Equally, you can freeze baked drumsticks in properly labeled bags bearing best-by dates for up to 12 months. To reheat, first allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat them in a 350F (approximately 180 C) preheated oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
tips to nailing this recipe
- Leave some space between the chicken drumsticks when laying them on the baking tray.
- Don't forget to turn them mid-baking. That will make them crispier on the outside.
- If your chicken legs or drumsticks are not as crispy as you would like them, simply put them under the broiler during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This should make the outside parts crispy.
- To avoid food poisoning, only serve chicken legs that are cooked through (see the frequently asked questions segment below for how to tell when the chicken legs are done).
serving suggestions
These drumsticks go well with vegetable noodles, cauliflower mash, riced cauliflower, green beans, or healthy baked vegetables. You can also pair them up with some tasty low-carb celeriac chips, air fryer chips, or some mango habanero salsa for a complete meal.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Curry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7-8 chicken drumsticks or legs (about 7-8 legs)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth, pat-dry the chicken legs. This step is important as it will help you achieve that nice and delicious crispy bite. You don't want to skip this step.
- In a small cup, prepare the marinade by mixing together olive oil, salt, turmeric and curry powder.
- Transfer the drumsticks to a Ziploc bag or a large bowl and pour over the mixture. Make sure to mix properly so every bit of the legs is covered with the marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F or 220°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chicken legs on the baking sheet. They should be spaced out, otherwise, you may not attain the desired outer crispiness as the juices from the legs tend to run over.
- Bake in the middle rack at 425°F or 220°C for 15 minutes, then carefully turn each leg and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Using a tong, carefully remove one piece and place it on a plate. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check whether it is done. It should read 165°F or 74°C. If not done bake for a further 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, give the baked curry chicken drumsticks a resting time of about 5-10 minutes then serve.
Notes
- Leave some space between the chicken drumsticks when laying them on the baking tray.
- Don't forget to turn them mid-baking. That will make them crispier on the outside.
- If your chicken legs or drumsticks are not as crispy as you would like them, simply put them under the broiler during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This should make the outside parts crispy.
Nutrition
frequently asked questions
The chicken should display at least 165°F or 74°C on an instant-read meat thermometer. This is actually the best and safe way to be sure. As a tip: If you want your chicken drumsticks to have crispy skin, then aim for a minimum temperature of 185° F.
The waters should run clear and the chicken legs should no longer be bloody.
Cooked chicken legs or drumsticks as they are sometimes known will feel firm to the touch when pressed. Uncooked ones, on the other hand, feel soft.
The flesh at the thinner side of the bone on the leg separates and pulls on towards the upper and wider side of the drumstick.
This said, the best method, however, still remains using a meat thermometer.
Wondering how long to bake your chicken drumsticks at 325° F or 400°F, or even at another temperature? Different oven temperatures require different baking times.
The table below is a basic guide on the baking times you need. However, if you want crispy skin, then stick to the following baking times and look for an internal temperature of 185 °F.
Chicken legs at 425° F convention (220°C) - about 35 minutes.
Chicken legs at 400° F convention to 425° F convention - about 35 - 40 minutes.
Chicken legs at 375° F convention to 400° F convention - 40-45 minutes.
Chicken legs at 350°F convention to 375° F convention - 45-50 minutes.
Needless to say, different baking temperatures will translate to different baking times for the chicken legs. The total time will, however, depend on the type of oven in the end. So feel free to add or deduct a few minutes.
The answer is yes. Raw chicken drumsticks can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months. Just make sure to keep them in a freezer-friendly container or bag. For the best flavor, season them with some marinade or your favorite spice blend before freezing. That way you can cook them straight up, once thawed.
whitney
Drumsticks are my fave!! And I love that your recipe is a healthier version I can enjoy guilt free!
Sara Welch
Gave these a try for dinner tonight and they did not disappoint! So crisp yet tender and juicy; the whole family loved them!
Beth
My family and I are going to enjoy this recipe! Can't wait to give this a try! Looks so tasty and juicy!
Julie
Oh yeah, easy to make and full of flavor! A perfect main dish.
Jess
Love how crispy these are. Drumsticks are my favorite!!
Kate Hahnel
I love chicken drumsticks too!