Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is easy, delicious, and full of flavor! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner! Tender and juicy, this recipe is an absolute no-brainer. Simply marinate and bake for a recipe your family will be begging for time and time again!
Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe:
I love these Baked Chicken Drumsticks because the skin gets crispy in the oven and the homemade marinade makes them so juicy. Plus, drumsticks are an inexpensive cut of meat that doesn’t skimp on taste! This recipe makes 10 drumsticks so your family no longer has to fight over who gets a leg. Similar to cooking chicken thighs, the secret here is all in the marinade. Just a few pantry staples like olive oil, seasonings, and lemon juice are whisked together to create a classic combination that gives you tons of side dish options. Letting the chicken soak in the homemade marinade for at least a couple of hours really seals in all of the flavor and guarantees the chicken comes out tender and juicy instead of dried out. Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks aren’t in my weekly rotation for nothing!
Begging for more baked recipes? Try BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs or Easy Baked Chicken Breast for some classic variations.
What Should I Serve With Baked Drumsticks?
The marinade for these Chicken Drumsticks pairs well with a myriad of side dishes! All sorts of veggies, potatoes, or even mac and cheese would be delicious. Try my Perfect Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans, or maybe extra cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese and some of my Perfect Baked Beans to complete your meal!
How To Make Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Let’s make the marinade. The true star of this recipe is surprisingly simple. In a medium bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, chicken seasoning, salt, soy or Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the drumsticks. Place the chicken drumsticks into a large zip-top bag then pour the marinade inside. Close the bag (try to get as much air out as you can) and massage the marinade into the chicken.
- Let the chicken chill and the marinade marry. Refrigerate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. For the absolute best flavor let the chicken marinate for a full 2-12 hours.
- Time to get cooking. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken. Place the drumsticks in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes (or until cooked through). Serve and enjoy!
How to store and Heat Leftovers:
Store leftover Baked Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Heat back up in the oven until warmed through, or eat cold! These are great right out of the fridge for a next day lunch or midnight snack.
Ingredients Notes for Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Chicken - Make sure the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe serving. And don’t skip the flip! Flipping them ensures they’re cooked through and gives that nice caramel color on both sides. The trick is to use skin on drumsticks for that outer crisp!
- Marinade - The marinade doesn’t have to be complicated and you can absolutely swap out the seasonings for unique combos. You could try olive oil and Italian seasoning, a lemon pepper blend, or even add in some honey mustard. Feel free to experiment while maintaining the technique. There’s room for flavorful creativity here!
- Paprika - For a smoky flavor, swap traditional paprika for smoked paprika. It’s amazing with the sweet brown sugar and tangy worcestershire sauce!
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¼ Cup Soy or Worcestershire Sauce
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Chicken Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika Smoked or Regular
- 10 Chicken Drumsticks
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy or Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chicken seasoning, pepper, dijon mustard, chili powder, and paprika until well mixed.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken for a few seconds.
- Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor allow the chicken to marinate for 2-12 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cooked through.
I make this often! Thank you.
This is a wonderful recipe - quick and easy and loved by kids and adults!
I've made this several times over the past year, but it is different this time. I don't recall "chicken seasoning", dijon mustard, or chili powder. Are these the only changes? I omitted these and hope it's the same as before as it has been a favorite.
Hi, Patty! Yes, those are the only changes 🙂
Would it be possible to see the original version of this recipe? I have made that one several times and it has been a big hit. I’ll try this version sometime too just want the option for the other but I can’t remember it exactly. Thanks!
Just leave out the chicken seasoning, dijon, and chili powder and that will give you the original 🙂
This recipe is sooooooo good and easy, thanks so much.
Hello, can you recommend a chicken seasoning?
Thank you so very much!
Sure! My personal favorite is the Famous Daves Chicken Rub, and I can find it at any grocery store with the other spices. I've also used the McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning and we like it too. 🙂
Very much agreed. I like to swap back and forth between famous Dave’s chicken rub and famous Dave’s rib rub. Both are delicious on any kind or cut of meat
Amazing recipe - the only thing you need to chop is the lemon! I substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar and the salt with ‘No Salt’. Marinate for 2+ hours - tastes great! The sauce will burn in the oven if you pour it over the chicken. Dispose of any extra sauce when putting the chicken on the baking sheet.
My family loves this recipe. Even my husband who tends to not eat what he calls "yard bird." But dark meat is his preference when we have chicken. I'm trying it with thighs today. Hope it turns out the same yummy goodness.
Making this tonight. Thanks!
I make this about once a month! I have also recommended it to friends: The chicken always turns out flavorful. Thank-you🙏🏼
I used this marinade for boneless skinless chicken breast that I grilled and it turned out fantastic. The kids loved it.
had this tonight with BBQ beans. So good
I've used this recipe multiple times. No adjustments, simple to prepare, and makes juicy, tasty chicken everytime!
It was amazing!! Thank you for this recipe ❤️
I’ve made this recipe a few times in the past couple months. It is absolutely delicious and my new go-to recipe for drumsticks! The only sub I’ve done is lime juice for lemon juice when that’s all I had. I definitely prefer marinating overnight vs a few hours. Lately I’ve been enjoying it with a side of quinoa and acorn squash.
Can I add cayenne or chili pepper?
Yep! You can add either or both to your own taste 🙂