Baked Cajun Chicken Drumsticks

5 from 1 vote

These Cajun Baked Chicken Drumsticks combine the deep, smoky spice blend of blackening seasoning with juicy, tender chicken drumsticks, creating an easy, budget-friendly meal with a spicy Southern flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, these drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and baked to a crispy, golden finish.

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Total Time1

Course: Chicken and Turkey

Cuisine: American / New Orleans

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Kosher

Servings:

Author: Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), melted
10 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup blackening seasoning
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

Make the blackening seasoning.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large, rimmed sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil.
Brush the ghee over the drumsticks, then generously coat with blackening seasoning.
Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or to an internal temperature of 175-180 degrees.

Notes

Blackening seasoning generally has salt and black pepper, so I don't add more. If using a salt-free blend, you may wish to add some.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

A flavorful oil such as avocado or olive can be used instead of ghee.
Can use chicken thighs or whole-leg portions.

TIPS:

If you prefer, you can remove the skin and coat the drumsticks with the blackening seasoning.
The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, but I suggest cooking it to 175-180°F. Because chicken drumsticks are dark meat, which means they have more connective tissue than white meat, they benefit from the additional time and heat, making it easier to pull off the bone.

MAKE AHEAD:

You can coat them the night before, refrigerate them, and leave them uncovered.

Nutrition