Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

Baked paprika chicken drumsticks are a fun and tasty treat for young and old alike. If you buy and serve a whole chicken, you only get two legs. So whether you have kiddos clamouring for that special treat or you just want a whole lot of yummy finger food, this recipe is the way to go.

What is even better about this recipe is that you can literally just dump it from the bag straight onto the sheet pan. This is especially handy if you want to give a squeamish teen the task of getting dinner in the oven. Put some rice in the rice cooker before you begin and in thirty minutes, you can have dinner on the table. If you want even more easy, kid-friendly, and fun meals to serve your family, be sure to check out the Freezer Meals 101 Club.

Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• salt

How to Make Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

Assembly Instructions

1. Place drumsticks in a resealable freezer bag.
2. Add other ingredients.
3. Shake to coat chicken.
4. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
2. Place the chicken on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet in single layer.
3. Bake 40 minutes at at 400°F.
4. Baste with juices.
5. Broil for 5 minutes.

How do I know when the chicken legs are cooked?

Chicken legs are tricky to cook without over-cooking, so keep a close eye on the temperature, and pull them as soon as they reach 160ºF. Set them on the counter to rest covered in foil for five minutes so that they finish cooking.

Do I have to use olive oil? Can I substitute with cooking spray?

You can substitute with vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any cooking oil of your choice, but I wouldn’t recommend cooking spray unless you plan to use copious amounts.

Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?

Yes. I recommend making sure the foil is shiny side up and you may have to increase the cooking time if the foil is crinkly under the chicken. Is it a common shared experience that “nobody” unrolls the entire box of foil and then rolls it back up crinkly, or is that just something that happens at my house?

Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Ideas

We love the simple flavors of paprika chicken as the recipe is written, but you can also change this up so many different ways.

• Use cinnamon and oregano instead of paprika for a unique and delicious flavor profile. Serve with sliced tomatoes.
• Try a mix of paprika and chili powder to give your chicken legs a little more zing.
• Add red pepper flakes, ancho chili powder, or hot sauce to the freezer bag to bump up the heat of this recipe.
• Try a new dry rub instead of the paprika. Or use your old favorite! Dry rubs are a great way to change up your meat recipes fast. You can make your own or use a store bought rub and have great results.
• Use garlic powder instead of minced garlic for a more even coating of that garlicky flavor.

If you aren’t a fan of chicken legs or want more variety, you can use this same recipe with wings, thighs, breasts, or a mix of pieces. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store Paprika Chicken Drumsticks?

Leftover chicken has to be refrigerated or frozen. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up two days. Cooked chicken legs can be frozen for up to three months and will last six months in a deep freeze if properly sealed. They are harder to reheat without overcooking though, so it might be just as handy to take all of the meat off the bones and store the chicken for use in easy casserole dishes.

What to Serve with Paprika Chicken Drumsticks?

This is such a simple and neutral protein, you could serve it with just about anything from just about any cuisine. From mashed potatoes and stuffing to a plate of rice, this recipe works. Add a fresh salad or roasted veggies to our basic approach of chicken and rice to round out your meal. I have had teens who would bake an entire batch of these for an afternoon snack.

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Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

38 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

Servings: 4

Calories: 397 kcal

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. paprika
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

Assembly Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a large resealable freezer bag.

2. Mix around gently to evenly coat the drumsticks.

3. Remove excess air from the bag. Seal and freeze.

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

2. Empty bag contents into a single layer on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

3. Bake at 400° for 40 minutes, basting occasionaly with drippings.

4. Broil for 5 minutes or until crisped up and some color is evident on drumsticks.