Cooking flavorful and juicy chicken drumsticks just right is often a challenge. If they’re not cooked long enough, the outside may be burned while the interior travels dangerously close to raw territory. But overcook them and you’re left with dry, rubbery meat no one wants to eat! It doesn’t have to be so difficult though – this blog post will walk you through the simple steps of baking delicious chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that dinner time arrives stress-free. So preheat your oven and read on for expert advice on how long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400.
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What are chicken drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks are a cut of poultry that comes from the lower section of the chicken’s legs. They are generally long and cylindrical in shape, with visible bones throughout the meat. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, and baking is one of the simplest methods to achieve delicious results.

Types of chicken drumsticks
When baking chicken drumsticks, it’s important to know how much time is necessary for each type of drumstick. Generally speaking, there are two types:
– Skin-on drumsticks – these are the traditional kind of drumsticks that most people are familiar with. The skin can help keep the meat moist and add flavor while cooking.
– Skinless drumsticks – these have had the skin removed before cooking, resulting in a much leaner piece of meat. They require less time to cook than skin-on drumsticks as there is no fat or moisture that needs to be released.
How to choose chicken drumsticks?
When choosing chicken drumsticks for baking, look for pieces that have a consistent shape and size. This will help ensure even cooking throughout the dish. Additionally, make sure to select drumsticks that are free of bruises or discoloration as these could be signs of spoilage or lower quality meat.

How long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400?
When baking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal cooking time is 30-35 minutes. It’s best to insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the meat after 25 minutes of baking to check if your drumsticks have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If they haven’t quite yet, keep baking at 4 minutes intervals until they have reached the desired temperature.
Once your chicken drumsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow for optimal juiciness and flavor.
How to bake chicken drumsticks at 400?
Baking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a relatively straightforward process. First, preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Place the chicken drumsticks onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Finally, sprinkle some seasoning of your choice over the chicken drumsticks and bake in the preheated oven. For the juiciest results, cook for 30-35 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached when tested with a digital thermometer. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor and juiciness.
With just a few simple steps, you can easily bake delicious chicken drumsticks in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For perfectly cooked and juicy drumsticks every time, use this guide for how long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400 for a stress-free dinner.
Do you have to wash chicken drumsticks before cooking?
It’s important to always wash your hands before and after handling any kind of raw poultry. You should also make sure that the chicken drumsticks are cleaned with cold running water before cooking them, as this will help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It is not necessary to rinse off any seasoning or marinade from the drumsticks prior to baking.
Should i bake chicken drumsticks covered or uncovered?
It is important to wash chicken drumsticks before cooking as this will help remove any germs, bacteria and dirt. When washing, be sure to use warm water and soap and then rinse the drumsticks thoroughly with running water. After washing, pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
It is recommended that you bake chicken drumsticks uncovered in the oven. This will help ensure that they are evenly cooked and crisp up nicely on the outside. If you would like to keep them extra moist, you can cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking time.

How to know if chicken drumsticks is done cooking?
The best way to know if chicken drumsticks are fully cooked is by using a digital thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If not, continue baking for several minutes until it does.
You can also use your eyes as a guide. If the drumsticks are golden brown and the juices run clear, they are likely done baking. You can also cut into one of them to check that it is cooked all the way through.
Common mistakes to avoid when bake chicken drumsticks at 400
One of the most common mistakes when baking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is not preheating the oven. Preheating your oven will help ensure that your drumsticks are cooked evenly and reduce the risk of undercooking.
Another mistake to avoid is overcooking the chicken. Make sure to check their internal temperature with a digital thermometer to ensure that they are cooked through without drying out.
Finally, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. If the drumsticks touch or overlap each other, they won’t brown and crisp up as nicely as if they had their own space.

Tips for baking chicken drumsticks at 400
There are several tips to keep in mind when baking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- First, make sure that your oven is preheated before putting the chicken in so it can cook evenly.
- Second, be sure to season the drumsticks with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice for maximum flavor.
- Third, use a digital thermometer to check their internal temperature and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the oven.
- Finally, allow them to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving for juicy and flavorful results every time!
What to serve with chicken drumsticks?
Once your chicken drumsticks are cooked through, they can be served with a variety of side dishes. Try pairing them with roasted veggies such as potatoes, sweet potatoes or carrots for a complete meal. You could also serve them alongside some grilled vegetables and a fresh salad for an easy summer dinner.
For a hearty and comforting dish, pair your chicken drumsticks with cooked grains such as quinoa or couscous and top it off with a delicious sauce. You can also serve them up as a snack along with some crunchy dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.

How to store baked chicken drumsticks at 400 in the fridge?
Any leftover baked chicken drumsticks should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Make sure that the drumsticks are cool before storing them away. If you have any cooked grains or sauces, store them separately from the drumsticks so they don’t get soggy.
When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the drumsticks in the oven or microwave. If you have any sides that need to be warmed up as well, put them in a separate container and heat them up separately.
How to freeze baked chicken drumsticks at 400?
If you would like to freeze your cooked chicken drumsticks, wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months when stored in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw out the drumsticks overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
How to reheat baked chicken drumsticks at 400?
To reheat cooked chicken drumsticks, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are heated all the way through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker reheating process. Simply place the drumsticks on a plate and heat them in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval.

Conclusion: How long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400
Cooking chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is easy and can yield delicious results. Just remember to preheat your oven, season them properly, check their internal temperature with a digital thermometer, and let them rest before serving. You can also store any leftovers correctly in the fridge or freezer for later use. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken drumsticks every time!
FAQs Chicken drumsticks
Is it better to bake chicken drumstick at 350 or 400?
For perfect, evenly-cooked drumsticks every time, pop them in the oven at a robust 400°F. You’ll end up with succulent chicken for everyone to enjoy.
What temperature should I bake chicken drumsticks?
For the perfect baked chicken drumstick, make sure your oven is pre-heated to a sizzling 400°F. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy and ensure that each delectable piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving up these juicy treats.
Is it safe to eat chicken drumsticks cooked at 400?
Satisfy your craving for tender, juicy chicken drumsticks by cooking them at 400°F; just ensure they reach the ideal internal temperature of 165°F before tucking in. Delightfully succulent and perfectly safe.
Is it necessary to rest chicken drumstick after baking at 400?
Taking a few minutes to rest your cooked chicken drumsticks before serving will secure an explosion of flavor, with every bite guaranteeing juiciness and deliciousness.
Can you overcook chicken drumsticks?
Treat your chicken drumsticks to an exacting mealtime temperature with the help of a digital thermometer. Cook them until they reach 165°F and you’ll be rewarded with succulent tenderness, ensuring that dinner never veers into dry or overcooked territory.
How many minutes per pound do you bake chicken drumsticks?
Treat your taste buds to some deliciousness with a batch of perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks! Bake for 25-30 minutes per pound at 400°F and reach the ideal internal temperature of 165°F using a digital thermometer. Enjoy this tempting treat any day.
Should I cover chicken drumsticks with foil when baking?
Let the skin on your drumsticks brown to perfection; don’t cover them while roasting. This is surefire recipe for a delicious, golden roasted chicken that’s far from steamed.
Is it safe to bake chicken drumsticks on aluminum foil?
For the perfect chicken drumstick – crunchy skin and all! – you can’t beat roasting them in an oven-safe dish. However, if that’s not available, don’t worry: simply wrapping your drumsticks up in aluminum foil will still produce a safe (though less crispy) dinner option.
Do I cook chicken drumsticks skin up or down?
Crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks that tantalize your taste buds can be yours with just one simple trick! Make sure the skin is facing up when you place them in the oven – this will guarantee a crunchy exterior packed with flavor. Enjoy every juicy bite of these delicious treats.
Can I bake chicken drumsticks in the microwave?
If time allows, grab your chicken drumsticks and head to the oven! Roasting them at 400°F will give you restaurant-level flavor that microwaving just can’t match. It might take a bit longer than zapping it in the microwave – but with results this delicious, it’s sure to be worth every second spent waiting.
Is there any way to save time when baking chicken drumsticks?
For a speedy meal that won’t upset your schedule, pre-bake chicken drumsticks! Get creative with the seasoning and pop them in the oven for 25 minutes at 400°F. Then you can store them away until it’s time to eat – just reheat for 10-15 minutes before serving up deliciousness without all of the hassle.
Susan Muskat is a professional chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. After working in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, she opened her own restaurant, Moose and Sadie’s, which quickly became a local favorite. Susan is also the author of a blog all about recipes, guidelines, cooking tips, and knowledge from professional chefs. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for food with others.