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How to Easily Make Skillet Chicken Drumsticks?

Written By James Morgan

Are you a kitchen enthusiast looking for easy and delicious recipes to try? Well, you're in luck! In this post, we'll explore skillet chicken drumsticks that are perfect for any meal. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will surely impress. From selecting the right ingredients to applying proper cooking techniques and enhancing flavors, weve got it all covered.

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and economical option for any meal. They are packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Cooking drumsticks in a skillet will give you juicy meat with a crispy exterior, making them a crowd favorite.

The Benefits of Cooking with Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are not just tasty; they offer several benefits. They are leaner compared to other cuts, making them a healthier option. Plus, they are budget-friendly!

Nutrition and Flavor

When prepared right, chicken drumsticks can be both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. They are rich in protein, essential for muscle building and repair, and contain essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.

Cost-effective

Chicken drumsticks tend to be more affordable than other cuts like breasts or thighs. This makes them ideal for families or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

simple skillet chicken drumsticks recipes

Ingredients You Will Need

The beauty of skillet chicken drumsticks lies in their simplicity. Just a few basic ingredients can create a mouthwatering dish.

  • Chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley, cilantro)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make delicious skillet chicken drumsticks.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin when cooking.

Step 2: Seasoning

Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the drumsticks.

Step 3: Heating the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat for about a minute. You'll know it's ready when the oil starts to shimmer.

Step 4: Cooking the Drumsticks

Place the drumsticks in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and browned. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Remove the lid and check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. They should reach at least 165F (74C). Once done, garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to elevate your skillet chicken drumsticks.

Add Some Heat

If you like a bit of spice, add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a nice kick.

Marination

If you have extra time, marinate the drumsticks for a few hours or overnight with the seasoning mix and olive oil to enhance the flavor even more.

Different Herbs and Spices

Experiment with other herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or oregano to provide different but equally delicious flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Your beautifully cooked chicken drumsticks deserve the perfect sides to complement them. Here are some suggestions:

  • Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
  • Steamed rice or quinoa
  • Fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Grilled corn on the cob

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?

Yes, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking for even results. Cooking times will be longer for frozen drumsticks.

Can I cook drumsticks in the oven instead?

Absolutely! You can start them in the skillet to get crispy skin, then transfer to a preheated oven at 375F (190C) to finish cooking.

What should I do with leftover chicken drumsticks?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness. For more cleaning tips, check out this guide.

For more delicious recipe ideas, make sure to check out this link.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
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(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
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(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
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(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
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, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
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, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
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, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
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- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Grill Brush and Scraper, 16.7”, Stainless Steel, Grill Cleaner, Grill Brush, Grill Cleaning Brush, BBQ Brill Brush, BBQ Brush for Grill Cleaning, Grill Brush for Outdoor Grill, Safe Grill Brush
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
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- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
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- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
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- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
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-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
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. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Griddle Spatula Holder Magnetic Design, Stainless Steel Grill Barbecue Tool Rack, Griddle Accessories for Blackstone Flat Top Griddle and Other Grill Griddles (2 Pcs)
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
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100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
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100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
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12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
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12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
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