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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!

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Italian chicken drumsticks

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!

easy Italian chicken drumsticks legs

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.

easy Italian chicken drumsticks baked

How to make baked italian chicken legs

  1. 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).
  2. Add the oil and rub it all over the chicken. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper evenly on drumsticks.
  3. 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.

baked Italian chicken legs

Side dishes to serve with this delicious recipe

Add one or two side dish recipes to serve alongside your chicken pieces. A

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.

Italian chicken drumsticks recipe

More delicious meals you’ll love

italian chicken drumsticks
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 4

Easy Italian Chicken Drumsticks (baked!)

By Heather
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!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
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Ingredients 

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

Calories: 261kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 140mg, Sodium: 594mg, Potassium: 356mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 92IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
italian chicken drumsticks

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.

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Heather

Hi! I’m Heather, the creator of Fit Mama Real Food, Everyday Muffin Party author, nutrition coach, group fitness instructor, wife, and mom of four. I’m so glad you are here!

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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