- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Make the Spice Mix:
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the Drumsticks:
- Rub the chicken drumsticks with olive oil. This will help the spices stick and the skin to become crispy.
- Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the drumsticks, making sure to coat them well. For best results, you can also let them marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator after applying the spices, but this is optional.
- Bake:
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the drumsticks are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
- Optional Lemon Juice:
- For a bright and zesty flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks just before serving.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.
Tips:
- For Extra Crispy Skin: You can broil the drumsticks for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Adjusting Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your taste and spice tolerance.
- Marination: If you have time, marinating the drumsticks in the spice mix and olive oil overnight can deepen the flavors.
These spicy chicken drumsticks are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy!
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