Dinner Idea: How to Make Crispy Baked Drumsticks

1. Mix together all the ingredients  for the marinade. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.

   

2. Put the oats on to a piece of waxed paper. Roll the chicken pieces in the oats to coat evenly.

   

3. Melt the butter or margarine in a large frying pan and fry the chicken pieces, a few at a time, for about 15-20 minutes on each side until crisp and golden. Alter-natively, line a roasting tin with foil, add the fat and melt it in the oven.

   

4. A Put the chicken in one layer in the tin, turning to coat with the fat. Bake at 200°C (400°F) mark 6, for 40-50 min-utes, turning once.

   

What to serve with crunchy drumsticks

1. there are no rules here at all. I ate them with leftover noodles. Not the most obvious options, but still fun. To make your life easier, try serving this with two side dishes in one. These are dishes that have lots of vegetables and starch mixed together. You can serve this as a side instead of making a salad and a starch separately.

   • Purple rice is made with red cabbage, which makes it very colorful on your dinner plate.
   • Rice Salad with Mediterranean Flavors.
   • Pasta salad with marinated vegetables for vegetarians.
   • Garlic butter rice with kale is a great way to make people who don't like kale start to like it.
   • Simple Greek Salad with Chickpeas.
   • Salad made with lentils will work nice.

Recipe Notes:

1. Panko breadcrumb is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is popular for making food extra crispy when coated with it. You can purchase it at large supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Harris in the Asian  foods section or you can find it at Asian stores for a cheaper price. Replace with regular bread crumbs.

    

2. Chilli powder is not the same as US chili powder. The US version is a blend without spice. I'm talking about the very spicy chilli powder, it's 100% spicy.

3. No mess when coating: Use one hand to cover the chicken in flour and egg, then use the same hand to put the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Use your clean hand to put panko on the drumstick and press it down. Don't forget to cover the handle so you can hold it to turn the drumstick and keep your hand clean. Do it again and be amazed at how clean your hands are.

4.  Quick sauce options:

   • Honey mustard sauce: Mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (or vinegar), and some salt and pepper to make honey mustard sauce.
   • Pink sauce : 1 cup of sour cream (100g) plus 3 tablespoons of ketchup.
   • You can use ketchup, BBQ sauce, or any other sauce from the store that you like.

5.  Leftovers: can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. A shorttime in the oven will make the crispy crust crispy  again.

6. Tips for Extra Crispy Skin

   For those who live for the crunch, here are a few extra tips to get the crispiest skin possible on your baked drumsticks:

   • Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the drumsticks are not touching each other on the rack. Good airflow is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.

   • Broil for the Final Touch: If you desire an even crispier skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

   • Baking Powder Trick: Lightly dusting your chicken with a mixture of baking powder and spices can help the skin to become extra crispy. Be sure not to confuse baking powder with baking soda, as they are not interchangeable.

   With your chicken perfectly cooked and ready to impress, it's time to round out your meal with some delightful side dishes.

Substitutions/Variations

1. For those looking to keep things low-carb or gluten-free, almond flour or coconut flour can replace regular flour for coating the drumsticks. Just ensure to season the alternative flour well for that kick of flavor. If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds can be a fantastic keto-friendly alternative that adds an extra layer of crunch.

   Spice lovers can ramp up the heat by adding a blend of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce into the mix. Conversely, for a milder, kid-friendly version, sticking to garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of black pepper can create a flavor profile that's appealing to all age groups.

   Remember, the key to a successful variation is balance. Start with small adjustments and taste as you go. It's all about finding that perfect harmony of flavors that fits your palate.

Equipment for this recipe

1. 

   Rectangle Deep Baking Pan HERE.

2. 

   Ceramic Baking Dish HERE.

3. 

   Red Aluminum Deep Roasting Pan HERE.