Easy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Old Bay Rub!)

After living in Baltimore (aka the home of all things crab and Old Bay), I became completely obsessed with that bold, salty, slightly spicy flavor...especially on crispy chicken wings.

This easy oven baked chicken drumsticks recipe is my easy, at-home version that tastes just as satisfying as the fried restaurant kind… without the mess. It’s a simple sheet pan dinner you can throw together on a busy weeknight, but it also doubles as the MVP of any game day spread.

If you love this recipe you should try my Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Thighs, Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip, or my Air Fryer BBQ Pork Chops.

Why You Will Love This Dinner

• Tastes like restaurant-style wings without frying
• Made on one sheet pan = easy cleanup
• Packed with bold Old Bay flavor
• High-protein and super satisfying
• Great for meal prep or leftovers
• Crowd-pleasing for game day or casual dinners

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks – budget-friendly, high in protein, and stay extra juicy in the oven (hard to overcook compared to chicken breast)
• Old Bay seasoning – the star flavor; a bold, savory blend that gives that classic restaurant-style “wing” taste without needing multiple spices
• Butter or ghee – helps crisp up the skin while adding rich flavor (ghee is great if you’re dairy-free)
• Celery (optional) – adds fresh crunch and balances the richness of the chicken, just like classic wing platters
• Carrots (optional) – slightly sweet and roast beautifully alongside the chicken for an easy built-in side
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional) – cool and creamy dip that complements the salty, seasoned chicken perfectly

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap drumsticks for wings or bone-in thighs depending on what you have
• Use olive oil instead of butter or ghee if preferred
• Add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth
• Toss in potatoes or broccoli to turn this into a full sheet pan meal
• Make it spicier with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce

How to make:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel—this is key for crispy skin. Toss them evenly with Old Bay seasoning until fully coated.
3. Grease a sheet pan with butter or ghee, then arrange the drumsticks in a single layer. If using, scatter celery and carrots around the pan.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the drumsticks.
5. Bake for another 15 minutes, then broil on low for 5 minutes to get that golden, crispy finish.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for making the best oven baked chicken drumsticks:

• Pat the drumsticks dry before tossing in seasoning
• Flip once baked for 20 minutes to allow both sides to get crispy
• Broil on low for 5 minutes for added crispiness!
• Dip in your favorite sauce like ranch or bleu cheese to serve

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes! Wings work perfectly..just keep an eye on cook time since they may cook a bit faster.

How do I make these extra crispy?
Patting the chicken dry and finishing under the broiler are the two biggest game changers.

Is Old Bay spicy?
It has a mild kick, but it’s more savory and salty than spicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese for a classic combo
• Pair with a simple side salad for an easy weeknight dinner
• Add roasted potatoes or fries for a more filling meal
• Perfect alongside other game day favorites like dips or sliders

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or air fry for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy.

I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
It is my goal to inspire you to create healthy and easy meals.
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