Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Why You’ll Love These

So flavorful: The combination of garlic and parmesan is such a classic one, and everyone is going to rave over the flavor.
Easy cleanup: As you’re cooking the drumsticks on a sheet pan, that means there isn’t much washing up afterwards.
An affordable meal: Chicken drumsticks aren’t expensive and neither are any of the other ingredients, making this a budget meal that boasts a premium flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below

Chicken drumsticks: The star ingredient. Chicken drumsticks are widely available. If you want to sub a different cut, such as skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking time will be different.
Garlic: Both garlic powder and fresh garlic feature in this baked chicken drumsticks recipe – one in the seasoning blend and the other in the sauce. Feel free to omit it or adjust the amount used.
Parmesan cheese: Take your pick from grating your own parmesan or buying it shredded, depending on your preference and how much of a rush you’re in.
Red pepper flakes: For some heat. You can adjust the amount, sub cayenne pepper or leave this ingredient out if you wish.
Melted butter: For the sauce. Butter adds a nice creaminess to the sauce. You could sub margarine or olive oil but butter is the most delicious option!

How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card

Season the chicken drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and then toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Cook them: Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack over a rimmed sheet pan or baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes in a preheated oven.
Make the sauce: Whisk the melted butter with the minced garlic cloves, parmesan, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
The finishing touches: Toss the cooked chicken drumsticks with the sauce, garnish with fresh parsley and serve your sheet pan dinner hot with your favorite side dishes.

Substitutions and Variations

Spice them up: Although the recipe calls for red pepper flakes, you can tweak the amount depending on your preferences or add a few drops of Sriracha, Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use a different cheese: Emmentaler, Swiss cheese or any other shredded cheese or shredded cheese blend can be used in place of the parmesan.
Another herb: Use chopped fresh basil or another favorite herb in place of the parsley if liked.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers:  Good appetizers to enjoy before the oven-baked chicken drumsticks include marinated olives with feta and burrata-stuffed tomatoes.
Side dishes: Mashed red potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, mac and cheese, and smoked asparagus are just a few ideas for tasty sides.

How to Store Baked Chicken Legs

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. It’s best to do this without first adding the sauce, and make the sauce when you thaw them.
Thaw: Thaw the chicken drumsticks overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Use the air fryer or microwave to warm the chicken drumsticks back up.

Top Tips

Pat the chicken dry: It’s a good idea to pat the chicken skin dry before adding the seasoning, as it will help them get crispy in the oven.
Check they’re done: Not sure if the drumsticks are cooked through? They will be 165 degrees in the thickest part (not touching the bone) when done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.
Don’t forget the napkins: These can be messy to eat, so remember the napkins!