Easy italian chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The herbs add delicious flavor to this perfect weeknight meal. Best of all, after the 3-minute quick prep, this very hands-off protein bakes in the oven while you spend time doing whatever you want to do! Once the whole family tries these easy-baked chicken legs, I can guarantee they’ll keep showing up at your dinner table!
Easy baked chicken drumsticks
Growing up one of my favorite meals was Italian fried chicken. It was breaded and fried, and probably not the best everyday meal.
These baked Italian chicken drumsticks are definitely a great chicken recipe for every day! There is no breading needed (making them a snap to whip up), they are baked in the oven (not fried), and filled with delicious herby italian seasoning.
We love to dip them in our favorite kefir ranch dressing, or enjoy them on their own!
Simple ingredients for crispy chicken legs
Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.
- chicken drumsticks
- avocado oil
- italian seasoning
- sea salt
- black pepper
How to make baked italian chicken legs
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the chicken on 1 or 2 rimmed baking sheets with space between each drumstick (you can add aluminum foil or parchment paper to help with easy clean up).
- Add the oil and rub it all over the chicken. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper evenly on drumsticks.
- Bake for 30 minutes and then flip the chicken over. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F.
While the drumsticks bake, prep an easy side or two to go along with them (my favorites are below). This recipe can easily be doubled.
Side dishes to serve with this delicious recipe
Add one or two side dish recipes to serve alongside your chicken pieces. A
- Paleo sweet potato casserole
- Crispy sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo
- Cranberry kale salad
- Easy kale chips
- Old bay potatoes wedges
- Buffalo chicken salad
Substitutions
Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this crispy chicken recipe.
If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!
Chicken drumsticks – This recipe can be made with any cut from chicken – try chicken thighs, chicken breast, wings, or even a whole chicken! Bone in meats works best to maintain juicy tender meat. When using a mixture of cuts of chicken, cooking times can vary use a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
Avocado oil – Extra virgin olive oil is a great substitute!
Italian seasoning – Dried herbs work better than fresh basil or fresh parsley here. If you don’t have an Italian seasoning mix, use individual dried herbs in their place.
More delicious meals you’ll love
- Buffalo chicken stuffed spaghetti squash
- Jerk chicken bowls
- Hawaiian chicken casserole
- Almond flour breaded chicken
Easy Italian Chicken Drumsticks (baked!)
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks
- ½ tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the chicken on 1 or 2 rimmed baking sheets with space between each drumstick (you can add aluminum foil or parchment paper to help with easy clean up).
- Add the oil and rub it all over the chicken. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper evenly on drumsticks.
- Bake for 30 minutes and then flip the chicken over. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F.
Nutrition
If you try this Italian chicken drumsticks recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
Originally published in March 2021. Updated January 2023.
