Chicken drumsticks are one of the most versatile and flavorful cuts of chicken. Whether you bake, grill, fry, or use an Instant Pot, drumsticks always deliver a juicy, tender bite that’s hard to beat. But the key to getting your drumsticks just right is ensuring they’re properly cooked. So, how long does it take to cook drumsticks? The answer depends on your cooking method and the size of the drumsticks. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different methods for cooking drumsticks, provide cooking times for each, and share tips for ensuring your chicken turns out perfectly every time.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, cooking chicken drumsticks requires a balance of time and temperature to ensure a delicious, juicy result. Read on for a detailed guide on how long to cook drumsticks, plus some of our favorite side dishes to serve with them!
Why Chicken Drumsticks?
Before we dive into the various cooking methods and their respective times, it’s important to understand why drumsticks are a popular cut of chicken. Here are a few reasons:
- Affordability: Drumsticks are one of the most budget-friendly parts of the chicken, making them a great choice for families or anyone cooking on a budget.
- Flavor: The dark meat of the drumstick is naturally more flavorful than the white meat found in chicken breasts. This extra flavor comes from the fat content, which also helps to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
- Versatility: Drumsticks can be cooked in various ways—baking, grilling, frying, or even pressure cooking. This flexibility makes them an ideal choice for a variety of dishes and cuisines.
- Portion Size: Drumsticks are perfectly portioned for individual servings, making them convenient for both casual meals and larger gatherings.
Now that we understand why drumsticks are a go-to choice, let’s explore the best cooking methods and times to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.
How Long to Cook Drumsticks in the Oven
Baking Time: 35 to 45 Minutes at 400°F (205°C)
Baking is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook drumsticks. The key to successful oven-baking is ensuring that the chicken is cooked evenly and that the skin gets crispy without overcooking the meat inside. Typically, baking drumsticks at 400°F (205°C) will take around 35 to 45 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Steps for Oven-Baked Drumsticks:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Preheating is essential to ensure even cooking throughout the drumsticks.
- Prepare the drumsticks by patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing the excess moisture helps the skin get crispy during baking.
- Season the drumsticks with your favorite spices. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well, but feel free to get creative with herbs or marinades. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for a few hours before baking.
- Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Make sure they are spread out and not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Internal Temperature Check:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks are fully cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone), and it should read 165°F (74°C).
Looking to add extra flavor to your baked drumsticks? Check out our guide on how to add flavor to rotisserie chicken. Many of the seasoning and marinating tips work just as well for drumsticks as they do for whole rotisserie chicken.
Suggested Sides for Oven-Baked Drumsticks:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and pair beautifully with crispy baked drumsticks.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add color and nutrition to your plate, while their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the drumsticks.
How Long to Grill Drumsticks
Grilling Time: 25 to 30 Minutes at Medium Heat (350°F to 400°F)
Grilling drumsticks adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. The direct heat from the grill helps the skin crisp up nicely, while the indirect heat ensures the meat cooks through without drying out. Depending on the size of your drumsticks, grilling time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes.
To achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, use the two-zone grilling method. This involves setting up your grill with a hot side for direct heat and a cooler side for indirect heat. Start the drumsticks on the indirect heat to cook them through, then move them to the direct heat to finish with a crisp, charred skin.
Steps for Grilling Drumsticks:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Season the drumsticks with your favorite dry rub or marinade. If using BBQ sauce, wait until the last few minutes of grilling to brush it on, as the sugar in the sauce can cause it to burn.
- Grill the drumsticks over indirect heat for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Move to direct heat for the last 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the skin and create grill marks. Make sure to turn the drumsticks frequently to avoid burning.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).
For more grilling tips, including advice on cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of meat, explore our ultimate guide to flank steak recipes. Many of the techniques outlined for grilling steak can also be applied to drumsticks.
Suggested Sides for Grilled Drumsticks:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: The smoky, sweet flavor of grilled corn is the perfect match for drumsticks cooked on the grill.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances out the richness of the chicken and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish that complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
How Long to Fry Drumsticks
Frying Time: 12 to 15 Minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Fried drumsticks are the epitome of comfort food, with a crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. When frying drumsticks, maintaining the correct oil temperature is key. You’ll want to fry them at 350°F (175°C) for around 12 to 15 minutes.
One of the main challenges with frying is ensuring that the meat is fully cooked without burning the outside. Be sure to monitor the oil temperature closely and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken.
Steps for Frying Drumsticks:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or any oil with a high smoke point.
- Season the drumsticks and dredge them in flour, breadcrumbs, or a seasoned coating for extra crunch.
- Fry the drumsticks in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the drumsticks has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, drain the drumsticks on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Pairing Fried Drumsticks:
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food pairing for crispy fried chicken.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a Southern classic that goes perfectly with fried drumsticks.
- Collard Greens: For a traditional Southern meal, serve your fried drumsticks with collard greens, which add a slightly bitter, earthy flavor to balance the richness of the chicken.
For additional frying tips and related recipes, check out our guide to the best ground meat mixtures. While focused on ground meat, the frying techniques and seasoning tips can be applied to chicken as well.
How Long to Cook Drumsticks in an Instant Pot
Cooking Time: 10 to 12 Minutes on High Pressure
If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to cook drumsticks, the Instant Pot is your best bet. Using pressure cooking, you can have tender, juicy drumsticks in just a fraction of the time it would take to bake or grill them. Cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot typically takes around 10 to 12 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Steps for Instant Pot Drumsticks:
- Add a cup of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. The liquid creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking.
- Season the drumsticks as desired, with a simple dry rub or marinade.
- Place the drumsticks on a trivet inside the Instant Pot. This keeps them elevated above the liquid, which helps retain their flavor and texture.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 to 12 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- For extra crispy skin, transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil them for 3 to 5 minutes in the oven.
For a more comprehensive look at how to use an Instant Pot, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to Instant Pot recipes, where you’ll find tips for using the Instant Pot for various meals.
Suggested Sides for Instant Pot Drumsticks:
- Rice Pilaf: A light, flavorful rice pilaf complements the tender drumsticks perfectly.
- Sautéed Spinach: Spinach is a healthy, nutritious side that balances the richness of the drumsticks.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with almost any chicken recipe.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors can influence how long it takes to cook drumsticks. Here are a few considerations:
1. Size of the Drumsticks:
Larger drumsticks take longer to cook, while smaller drumsticks will cook more quickly. Always adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken.
2. Bone-In vs. Boneless:
Most drumsticks are bone-in, which helps retain moisture but also means they take longer to cook. Boneless drumsticks will cook faster, so keep that in mind if you’re using a different cut.
3. Cooking Method:
As discussed, the cooking method you choose (baking, grilling, frying, or Instant Pot) has a significant impact on how long it takes to cook drumsticks. For example, frying is much quicker than baking, but the texture and flavor of the drumsticks will differ depending on the method.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long it takes to cook drumsticks using various methods, you’re well-equipped to prepare this delicious and versatile chicken cut. Whether you’re baking them in the oven, grilling them to perfection, frying them for a crispy treat, or using an Instant Pot for a quick dinner, you can’t go wrong with drumsticks. Just remember to always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure your chicken is safe to eat.
If you’re looking for more chicken recipe inspiration, don’t miss our rotisserie chicken recipes guide, where you’ll find plenty of ideas for creating delicious, flavorful meals.
Get cooking, and enjoy your perfectly cooked drumsticks!