Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a party appetizer that disappears fast, these bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are it. Crispy bacon wrapped around juicy chicken makes this a simple recipe that feels a little special without being complicated.
They’re easy enough for game day but just as perfect for casual get-togethers or a weekend snack spread. With only a handful of ingredients, you get big flavor and that crispy, savory bite everyone goes for first.
Helpful Tips
- Remove the skin for better texture. Taking the skin off the drumsticks helps the bacon crisp up and stick directly to the meat instead of sliding around.
- Place the bacon seam-side down. Set the wrapped drumsticks on the baking sheet with the loose end underneath so they stay tightly wrapped while baking.
- Turn and baste for even browning. Flipping every few minutes toward the end and brushing lightly with olive oil helps the bacon crisp evenly on all sides.
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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks
These bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks have crispy bacon wrapped around juicy chicken making this a simple recipe that feels a little special without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for basting
- salt and black pepper to season
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 375° F (190° C).
- Remove the skin from the drumsticks. Cut off the connective tissue from the ends of the drumsticks and cut off the joint, if desired.
- Place the drumsticks in a bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each drumstick tightly with a strip of bacon. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, with the end of the bacon strip facing down.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the drumsticks and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 165° F when done. Baste with additional olive oil, turning the drumsticks every 3 minutes to ensure even browning.
Notes
- You don’t have to lollipop the ends of the chicken. This is for visual appeal and ease of eating.
- Baking time will vary depending on the size of chicken legs. Cook until 165° internal temperature, or until the bacon is fully cooked and browned.
- You can glaze the drumsticks with a honey butter sauce or bbq sauce, if you want to add extra flavor. Or serve with a dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 32gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 449mgPotassium: 425mgVitamin A: 86IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
OMG, love this idea! These look so tasty and crisp; I hope to make it!
What an amazing dinner idea! Love the addition of bacon for even more flavor!
I’d probably eat anything wrapped in bacon! Love the tip about cleaning the bones to make handles, I didn’t think of that!
I love that you don’t over season these. The bacon is all the flavoring you need. Yum!
This recipe was so easy and tasted great. I wasn’t sure if I would need a sauce or something but the bacon made this chicken amazing without anything else!
That’s what I think too. The bacon is really all you need for flavoring.
How does the bacon stay attached when preparing? Toothpick?
If you cook it with the loose flap of the bacon down, it will seal itself while cooking without the need for toothpicks.
This recipe was simple and delicious. I thought it might need a sauce, but the bacon made the chicken perfect on its own.