Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Drumsticks (Chicken Legs)

5 from 5 votes

Cast-iron chicken drumsticks seasoned with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, seared on the stovetop, and finished in the oven.

Prep Time5

Cook Time45

Additional Time20

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course, Poultry

Cuisine: European

Servings: people

Calories: 336kcal

Season the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Rub them with one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix the cumin, coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken. Turn the drumsticks until evenly coated.
8 chicken drumsticks + 1 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter + 1 ½ teaspoons cumin + 1 teaspoon coriander + 1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika + ¼ teaspoon turmeric + 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or Kosher salt
Let them stand: Leave the seasoned drumsticks for 15 minutes. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours.
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
Heat the skillet: Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter.
1 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
Sear the drumsticks: Place the chicken in the skillet in one layer. Brown it on all sides for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs.
Bake: Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the thickest drumstick reaches at least 165°F/74°C.
Rest: Let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Use a 12-inch/30 cm skillet and keep the drumsticks in one layer. If particularly large pieces do not fit without crowding, use fewer drumsticks or a second oven-safe pan.
One medium drumstick weighs approximately 4 oz/120 g. Serve two per person, or three for larger appetites.
Spices: You can replace the listed spices with another seasoning mixture, prepared chicken rub, Cajun seasoning, curry powder, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs. Reduce the added salt if the seasoning mixture already contains it.
For spicier drumsticks, use hot paprika or add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
If using table salt instead of fine sea salt or Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, start with ¾ teaspoon.