Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks

These garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks are coated in a crisp, savory crust and roasted alongside tender baby potatoes for a complete one-pan meal. The combination of aromatic garlic, nutty parmesan, and golden breadcrumbs creates a comforting Italian-American dish that’s both simple and deeply flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy One-Pan Dinner – Chicken and potatoes cook together for minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
Crispy, Flavorful Coating – Parmesan, garlic, and panko create a golden crust with rich savory depth.
Juicy, Tender Chicken – Proper roasting keeps the drumsticks moist while achieving crisp skin.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food – Familiar flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – Uses accessible staples without complicated preparation.
Perfect Weeknight Meal – Quick prep and hands-off baking make dinner stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken & Potatoes

8 chicken drumsticks – Provide juicy dark meat that stays tender during roasting.
1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved – Roast until creamy inside with lightly crisp edges.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential base seasoning for both chicken and potatoes.

Garlic Parmesan Coating

1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Creates a light, crunchy exterior.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds nutty flavor and promotes browning.
6 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses bold aromatic depth throughout the crust.
1/4 cup olive oil – Helps the coating adhere and encourages crisp roasting.
2 tablespoons melted butter – Contributes richness and golden color.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Provides classic Italian herbal notes.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild warmth and enhances color.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Brightens the finished dish with freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry, season with salt and pepper, and toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Mix the Garlic Parmesan Coating

Combine panko, grated parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Coat the Drumsticks

Brush each drumstick with melted butter and olive oil, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres on all sides. Arrange in a large baking dish.

Add the Potatoes

Spread the seasoned potatoes around the chicken in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the potatoes for added flavor.

Roast Until Golden and Cooked Through

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crisp and golden. Potatoes should be fork-tender.

Rest and Garnish

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Dry Chicken Thoroughly – Removing surface moisture ensures the coating sticks and crisps properly.
Use Even Potato Sizes – Uniform cuts guarantee simultaneous cooking with the chicken.
Lower Rack for Extra Crispness – Moving the pan lower during the final 10 minutes enhances browning.
Prepare Coating Ahead – Breadcrumb mixture can be stored airtight for up to 2 days.
Check Internal Temperature – A thermometer prevents undercooking or dryness.
Reheat in the Oven – Maintains crisp texture better than microwaving.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Calories: Approximately 520–600 per serving, depending on drumstick size and oil absorption

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Perfect Pairings

Simple Arugula Salad – Peppery greens balance the richness of parmesan and butter.
Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus – Adds color and fresh vegetal contrast.
Lemon Wedges – Bright acidity enhances savory garlic flavors.
Light White Wine or Sparkling Water – Cleanses the palate between bites.

Ideal Occasions

Weeknight Family Dinner – Easy preparation with satisfying comfort appeal.
Casual Gatherings – Crowd-friendly and simple to scale.
Meal Prep Cooking – Reheats well for lunches or quick dinners.
Cold-Weather Comfort Meals – Warm, hearty, and filling.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Up to 3 Days – Store in an airtight container once cooled.
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) – Restores crisp coating without drying the meat.
Avoid Overcrowding When Reheating – Ensures even warming and crispness.
Serve Immediately After Baking – Best texture occurs while coating is fresh and crunchy.

Creative Variations to Try

Spicy Garlic Parmesan – Add chili flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
Herb-Crusted Version – Include thyme, rosemary, or parsley for deeper herbal flavor.
Lemon Garlic Twist – Add lemon zest to brighten the coating.
Cheesy Potato Upgrade – Sprinkle extra parmesan over potatoes during the final 10 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Coating Falling Off – Ensure chicken is dry and press crumbs firmly onto the surface.
Potatoes Undercooked – Cut smaller pieces or parboil briefly before roasting.
Chicken Browning Too Fast – Tent loosely with foil while finishing cooking.
Lack of Crispiness – Increase oven temperature slightly or finish under the broiler briefly.

Why This Recipe Works

High-heat roasting renders fat from the chicken skin while crisping the panko-parmesan coating, creating contrast between crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Olive oil and butter promote even browning, while garlic and herbs infuse aromatic depth into every bite. Roasting the potatoes in the same pan allows them to absorb flavorful drippings, enhancing cohesion across the dish. The balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates results in a satisfying meal at roughly 520–600 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Garlic parmesan chicken drumsticks offer a dependable, flavorful one-pan dinner that blends crisp texture, juicy meat, and comforting roasted potatoes. With approachable ingredients, flexible variations, and strong nutritional satisfaction, this recipe fits seamlessly into everyday cooking while still feeling special enough for sharing. For a lighter option, reduce butter or pair with additional vegetables to maintain flavor while lowering overall richness.