Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a simple, satisfying dish with perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted to golden perfection, these drumsticks are an easy go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. No frying required—just pure, oven-baked deliciousness.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks marinated in a zesty herb-garlic blend with lemon, vinegar, and a kick of chili—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor! 🍗🌿
Why These Baked Chicken Drumsticks Are the Best
- Crispy Skin: Roasted at high heat for that irresistible crunch.
- Juicy & Tender Inside: The dark meat stays moist and flavorful.
- Simple Seasoning: Made with pantry staples like garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
- No Marinating Needed: Just season and bake.
- Family-Friendly & Fuss-Free: A reliable favorite for all ages.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Baked Chicken Drumsticks are great for everything from casual dinners to game day snacks. They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and go well with almost any side dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Parsley Leaves: Bright and herbaceous, they form the base of a vibrant marinade that lifts the flavor of the chicken.
- Green Onions: Mild and slightly sweet, they add depth and a fresh bite to the herb blend.
- Dried Oregano: Earthy and robust, it gives the marinade a classic Mediterranean twist.
- Garlic Cloves: Pungent and aromatic, garlic infuses the chicken with bold, savory notes.
- Olive Oil: A rich, silky fat that helps carry the flavors deep into the chicken while ensuring crispy skin when baked.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Sharp and tangy, it balances the richness of the oil and tenderizes the meat.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the savory flavors and enhances the herbaceous notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings subtle heat that complements the zesty marinade without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials for seasoning, enhancing every layer of flavor from herbs to meat.
- Chicken Drumsticks (Bone-in, Skin-on): Juicy and hearty, they roast beautifully, developing crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Pat Chicken Dry First: Helps the skin crisp up.
- Use a Wire Rack: Allows air to circulate for even baking.
- Bake at High Heat: 220°C ensures a golden, crispy result.
- Flip Once During Baking: For even browning on both sides.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Keeps juices in the meat, not on the pan.
Serving Suggestions
- With Roasted Veggies or Potatoes: Classic and hearty.
- With Rice or Pasta: Easy and filling.
- With BBQ Sauce or Hot Sauce on the Side: For extra flavor.
- With Coleslaw or Cornbread: A Southern-style combo.
A Must Try
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor, Baked Chicken Drumsticks are an easy win for any home cook. No mess, no frying—just perfectly seasoned drumsticks roasted to mouthwatering perfection. Serve them hot from the oven and watch them disappear!
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Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Baked Chicken Drumsticks marinated in a zesty herb-garlic blend with lemon, vinegar, and a kick of chili—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor! 🍗🌿
Ingredients
- 1 cup slightly packed fresh parsley leaves
- 4 green onions root ends trimmed, cut into thirds
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and smashed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tabelspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tabelspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt or season as desired
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 10 large 3.5 lb to 4 lb chicken drumsticks (bone-in skin-on)
Instructions
- Add the parsley, green onions, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes to your food processor. Give it about 10 quick pulses—just enough to get everything roughly chopped.
- Next, pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend it all together for about 5 to 10 seconds, just until the herbs are finely minced and everything looks nicely combined. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides if needed!
- Scoop out 1/4 cup of that herby goodness into a small bowl, add a few pinches of salt, give it a quick stir, then cover and pop it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Now take the remaining herb mixture (you should have about 3/4 cup left) and season it with 1½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper—give it a quick mix so it’s ready to work its magic.
- Place your chicken legs in a large resealable bag. Pour in the 3/4 cup of seasoned herb mixture, seal the bag while pressing out any extra air, then gently massage the marinade all over the chicken until it’s coated nice and evenly.
- Stick the bag in the fridge and let the chicken soak up all that flavor for at least 1 hour—or leave it up to 24 hours if you’ve got the time for max flavor!
- Move your oven rack up just one level from the center position. Then preheat the oven to 400°F so it's ready to roast.
- Grab a rimmed 18x13-inch baking sheet (a dark-coated one works best!) and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the marinated chicken legs on the sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then take them out, flip each leg over, and pop them back in.
- Continue roasting for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the thickest part reaches 165°F. Golden, juicy perfection coming right up!
Notes
Here’s a handy tip while baking: If the chicken legs aren’t browning as much as you’d like, switch on the broiler for the last few minutes to give them that perfect golden finish. On the flip side, if they’re getting a little too dark, just loosely cover them with foil near the end to prevent over-browning.
For that crispy, flavorful skin, you can serve the chicken as is, or take it up a notch by brushing on that reserved 1/4 cup chimichurri herb mixture (the one that never touched the raw chicken!). And if you don’t end up using it on the chicken, don’t let it go to waste—toss it with a tasty veggie side like roasted red potatoes or sweet corn. Yum!
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Baked Chicken Drumsticks marinated in a zesty herb-garlic blend with lemon, vinegar, and a kick of chili—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor! 🍗🌿