Chicken drumsticks are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. When cooking chicken drumsticks in the oven, one of the most common questions is how long they need to cook, especially when using Celsius oven temperatures. The cooking time can vary based on a few factors, which will be covered here. Read on for tips, guidelines, and recommended cooking times for oven-baked chicken drumsticks using Celsius oven temperatures.
What Temperature and Time Should You Cook Chicken Drumsticks?
When baking bone-in chicken drumsticks in the oven, the recommended internal temperature to cook them to is 165°F-175°F (74°C-80°C). The drumsticks should register at least 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
As a general guideline, chicken drumsticks take approximately 40-50 minutes to cook in a 180°C (350°F) oven. However, cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the drumsticks as well as oven accuracy.
Here are some more specific oven temperatures and average cooking times for chicken drumsticks:
- 180°C (350°F) oven – Cook for 40-50 minutes
- 190°C (375°F) oven – Cook for 35-45 minutes
- 200°C (400°F) oven – Cook for 30-40 minutes
- 220°C (425°F) oven – Cook for 25-35 minutes
Always verify the internal temperature and check for visual signs of doneness before removing from the oven. The drumsticks should be golden brown with crispy skin and the meat should not be pink when pierced in the thickest area.
Factors That Affect Chicken Drumstick Cooking Time
There are a few factors that can affect how long chicken drumsticks need to cook in the oven at various Celsius temperatures:
Drumstick size – Larger, meatier drumsticks will take longer than smaller ones. Allow extra time for jumbo sized drumsticks.
Bone-in or boneless – Boneless drumsticks will cook faster than bone-in. Reduce oven time by 5-10 minutes for boneless.
Cooking method – Drumsticks baked on a wire rack will cook faster than in a baking dish since air circulates better.
Oven accuracy – Older ovens may run hot or cool which can impact cook times. Get an oven thermometer to check accuracy.
Quantity – The more drumsticks crowded into one pan, the longer they will take to cook. Don’t overload.
Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen drumsticks require significantly longer cook time, up to 1.5 times as long. Always thaw first for better results.
Meat temperature – Allowing refrigerated drumsticks to come up to room temp before cooking reduces oven time.
Take these factors into account when determining the best oven bake time for your chicken drumsticks recipe. Track cook times and adjust as needed for your specific oven.
Tips for Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Follow these tips for baked chicken drumsticks that turn out juicy and tender every time:
- Pat drumsticks dry before seasoning to help them get crispy in the oven.
- Use a roasting rack or broiler pan to allow air circulation around the chicken.
- Coat drumsticks lightly with oil or cooking spray to promote browning.
- Season drumsticks generously with spices, herbs, or dry rubs as desired.
- For extra crispy skin, coat with baking powder before cooking.
- Bake in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Allow at least 1 inch spacing between drumsticks for even cooking.
- Flip drumsticks over halfway during baking for even browning.
- Check temperature at minimum cook time before removing from oven.
- Let drumsticks rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Common Oven-Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipes
Chicken drumsticks stand up well to all kinds of flavorful seasonings and ingredients when oven-cooked. Here are some popular baked chicken drumstick recipes to try:
Baked BBQ Drumsticks – Coated in a sticky, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce as they cook.
Crispy Parmesan Drumsticks – Coated with Parmesan, breadcrumbs and herbs for a crispy crust.
Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks – Baked then tossed in Buffalo hot sauce and served with blue cheese dressing.
Honey Mustard Drumsticks – Glazed with a tasty blend of honey, mustard, and spices.
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks – Seasoned with a spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning blend before baking.
Lemon Pepper Drumsticks – Baked with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning for a lemony kick.
Garlic Herb Drumsticks – Seasoned generously with garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano.
The possibilities are endless for customizing oven-baked chicken drumsticks to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking Chicken Drumsticks from Frozen
For best results, chicken drumsticks should always be fully thawed before cooking. However, if needed, frozen drumsticks can also be baked in the oven by adding extra oven time. Here are some tips:
- Add at least 15 additional minutes of cook time, checking often for doneness. Up to 30 minutes extra may be needed.
- Arrange in a single layer with space between each drumstick to allow for air circulation.
- Cover pan tightly with foil at first to help retain moisture as they cook.
- Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to improve browning and crisp the skin.
- Check the internal temperature in the thickest part with a meat thermometer for doneness.
- Bake at a slightly higher oven temp, around 190°C (375°F) for frozen chicken.
- The skin may not get quite as crispy from frozen, but meat will be cooked through fully.
Frozen vs. Thawed Chicken Drumstick Oven Bake Times
| Thawed | Frozen |
|---|---|
| 180°C – 40-50 mins | 180°C – 60-75 mins |
| 190°C – 35-45 mins | 190°C – 50-65 mins |
| 200°C – 30-40 mins | 200°C – 45-60 mins |
| 220°C – 25-35 mins | 220°C – 35-50 mins |
Conclusion
Determining oven bake times for chicken drumsticks requires taking several factors into account like their size, bone-in vs boneless, oven accuracy, if frozen, etc. As a general guideline, bone-in chicken drumsticks take approximately 40-50 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F) but this can vary. Always check the minimum time, use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, and adjust cook times as needed based on your specific oven and drumsticks. With a few simple tips and recommended oven temperatures, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
What oven temperature should I use to bake chicken drumsticks in Celsius?
- 180°C-200°C (350°F-400°F) works best for bone-in chicken drumsticks. 190°C (375°F) is ideal for achieving juicy meat and crispy skin.
Should I flip chicken drumsticks during baking?
- Yes, flipping the drumsticks over halfway during cooking allows them to brown evenly on both sides.
Can I overcook chicken drumsticks in the oven?
- Yes, chicken can become dried out if baked for too long. Always check minimum cook times and use a meat thermometer for doneness. 170°F is ideal temp.
Should I cover chicken drumsticks while baking?
- Covering them initially helps retain moisture. Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes for crisper skin.
How can I tell when oven baked drumsticks are done?
- Drumsticks are done when their internal temperature reaches 165-175°F on a meat thermometer, juices run clear, and meat is no longer pink.
Should I rest chicken drumsticks after baking?
- Yes, allowing them to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier flavor.
Can I bake chicken drumsticks from frozen?
- Yes, bake frozen drumsticks at a slightly higher temp and allow extra baking time, up to 30 minutes longer. Check often for doneness.
What is the best way to crisp chicken drumstick skin when baking?
- Baking powder, high oven heat, elevated wire racks, uncovered baking, and resting after cooking helps crisp the skin.
How do I make baked chicken drumsticks flavorful?
- Use herbs, spices, rubs, barbecue sauce, etc to add flavor. Brining also helps drumsticks stay juicy and tender.