Kick back and relax—we’ve rounded up 21 savory one-dish chicken drumstick recipes perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. From zesty sheet pan dinners to comforting slow cooker meals, these fuss-free dishes deliver big flavor with minimal cleanup. Get ready to find your new go-to dinner favorite!
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Hearty and flavorful, these honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
– 1/3 cup honey
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
3. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. While baking, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
7. After 25 minutes, brush the drumsticks generously with the honey garlic sauce using a pastry brush for even coverage.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Flaky and tender inside with a sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze, these drumsticks are irresistible. Serve them over rice to soak up the extra sauce or with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Crispy Lemon Herb Roasted Drumsticks
Never underestimate the power of simple ingredients. Crispy lemon herb roasted drumsticks deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
For finishing:
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels for crispier skin.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Add drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5. Arrange drumsticks on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6. Roast for 35-40 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
8. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Absolutely irresistible with crackling skin and juicy meat inside. The lemon herb marinade penetrates deep, creating bright, savory flavors. Serve over rice to soak up the pan juices or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Sweet and Spicy Mango Glazed Drumsticks
Perfect for weeknight dinners, these drumsticks pack a punch with tropical sweetness and heat. They come together quickly with minimal prep. Get ready for sticky, finger-licking goodness.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
– 1 cup mango puree
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
2. Season drumsticks evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
4. Arrange drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Whisk mango puree, honey, soy sauce, chili flakes, and garlic powder in a bowl. Tip: Use ripe mangoes for natural sweetness.
7. Flip drumsticks after 25 minutes.
8. Brush drumsticks generously with half the glaze.
9. Bake for 10 more minutes.
10. Brush with remaining glaze.
11. Bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-8 minutes. Tip: Check temperature at the thickest part without touching bone.
12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: Resting keeps juices intact.
Bold flavors shine through with caramelized edges and tender meat. The sticky glaze pairs perfectly with coconut rice or a crisp slaw. Serve with extra napkins—it’s messy in the best way.
Teriyaki Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Green Onions
Kick off your weeknight dinner with these savory, sticky-sweet drumsticks that come together with minimal effort. Keep it simple and let the marinade do the work for maximum flavor impact. You’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
– For the marinade:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp minced garlic
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– For cooking:
– 8 chicken drumsticks
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– For garnish:
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Place 8 chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
5. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
6. Remove drumsticks from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and pat them dry with paper towels to promote browning.
7. Sear the drumsticks in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
8. Transfer the seared drumsticks to the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the reserved marinade.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, brushing with additional marinade halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions immediately after removing from the oven.
Vibrant and glossy, these drumsticks boast a caramelized exterior that gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. Serve them over steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce, or pair with a crisp salad for a balanced meal that highlights the umami-rich teriyaki glaze.
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks with Roasted Vegetables
Unbelievably crispy yet juicy, these garlic parmesan drumsticks with roasted vegetables deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. The combination of savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and caramelized vegetables hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
For the drumsticks:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika
For the garlic parmesan coating:
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the roasted vegetables:
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
3. Toss the drumsticks with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
5. Press the parmesan mixture firmly onto each drumstick to create an even coating.
6. Arrange the coated drumsticks on one side of a large baking sheet.
7. In the same bowl used for the chicken, toss 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow onion with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt.
8. Spread the vegetables on the other side of the baking sheet in a single layer.
9. Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the coating is golden brown.
10. Flip the drumsticks and stir the vegetables halfway through cooking for even browning.
11. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
These drumsticks emerge with a crackling-crisp parmesan crust that gives way to tender, garlic-infused meat. The roasted vegetables develop sweet, caramelized edges while staying slightly crisp. Try serving over creamy polenta or with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the rich flavors.
BBQ Drumsticks with Smoky Brown Sugar Rub
Unbelievably simple yet packed with flavor, these BBQ drumsticks deliver smoky sweetness in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, they require minimal effort for maximum impact. The brown sugar rub creates a caramelized crust that locks in juiciness.
Ingredients
For the rub:
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For cooking:
– 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Pat drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush drumsticks evenly with olive oil to help the rub adhere.
5. Generously coat each drumstick with the spice mixture, pressing gently to form a crust.
6. Arrange drumsticks on prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart for even cooking.
7. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Brush drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Amazingly tender meat pulls cleanly from the bone beneath that sticky, caramelized crust. The smoky-sweet balance makes these perfect alongside coleslaw and cornbread, or chop the meat for killer BBQ sandwiches.
Mediterranean Style Chicken Drumsticks with Olives
Mediterranean flavors transform simple chicken into a vibrant meal. Marinated drumsticks bake with briny olives and fresh herbs. This one-pan dish delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For baking:
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a large bowl.
- Add drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with marinade.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange marinated drumsticks in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Scatter 1 cup pitted kalamata olives and sliced lemon around the chicken.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the drumsticks.
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a drumstick – juices should run clear.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Flavorful drumsticks emerge with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The olives become wonderfully soft while the lemon slices caramelize slightly. Serve over couscous or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Sticky Soy and Ginger Drumsticks
Easy weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. These drumsticks get sticky, sweet, and savory from a simple glaze. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For finishing:
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well combined.
3. Add 2 lbs chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.
4. Let the drumsticks marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
5. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
7. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
8. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Sticky, glossy, and packed with umami depth from the soy and aromatic ginger. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays incredibly juicy. Serve over steamed rice to soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce, or pair with a simple cucumber salad for contrast.
Spicy Sriracha Lime Drumsticks
Overwhelmed by bland chicken? These drumsticks pack a punch. Sriracha and lime create a fiery, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 1/4 cup sriracha
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
For cooking:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
2. Whisk sriracha, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
6. Arrange drumsticks on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
10. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until skin is crispy and charred in spots.
11. Rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Not just another chicken dish. The skin crackles with each bite, giving way to juicy meat infused with spicy-sweet heat. Serve over cilantro lime rice to balance the heat or chop for killer tacos.
Tuscan Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Tender chicken drumsticks get a sweet-savory upgrade with a sticky balsamic glaze. This fuss-free recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Rub drumsticks with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange drumsticks on prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
5. Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While chicken bakes, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and rosemary in a small saucepan.
7. Simmer glaze over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
8. Brush half the glaze over partially cooked drumsticks after 25 minutes of baking.
9. Return chicken to oven and bake for 10 more minutes at 400°F.
10. Remove chicken from oven and brush with remaining glaze.
11. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Outstandingly sticky and glossy, these drumsticks feature caramelized edges and tender, juicy meat. The balanced sweet-tangy glaze clings perfectly to each bite. Serve over creamy polenta or with roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
Maple Dijon Glazed Drumsticks
Whip up these sweet and savory drumsticks for a crowd-pleasing dinner. They come together quickly with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
– For the glaze: 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper
– For the drumsticks: 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Toss drumsticks with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp kosher salt in a large bowl.
4. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25 minutes at 400°F until skin begins to brown.
6. Whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
7. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the partially cooked drumsticks.
8. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F.
9. Brush remaining glaze over drumsticks.
10. Bake for final 10 minutes at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F and glaze is sticky.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Juicy drumsticks boast a caramelized, sticky-sweet exterior with a tangy mustard kick. Serve over creamy polenta or with roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious glaze. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone every time.
Herb Crusted Drumsticks with Marinara Sauce
Tender chicken drumsticks get a crispy, flavorful upgrade with this simple herb crust. They’re baked until golden and served with a quick homemade marinara for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the herb crust:
– 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
For the marinara sauce:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
3. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over breadcrumb mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Press each drumstick firmly into the herb crust mixture, coating all sides.
6. Arrange coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and crust is golden brown.
8. While drumsticks bake, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
10. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in basil and salt.
11. Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
12. Serve hot drumsticks with warm marinara sauce on the side.
Zesty and satisfying, these drumsticks feature a crunchy herb exterior that gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. The bright marinara adds a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly. Try serving them over creamy polenta or with a simple arugula salad for a complete meal that’s both rustic and refined.
Coconut Curry Chicken Drumsticks and Rice
Aromatic coconut curry chicken drumsticks simmer to perfection over fluffy rice. This one-pot meal delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup. Ready in under an hour for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the chicken and marinade:
– 8 chicken drumsticks
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the curry sauce:
– 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tbsp red curry paste
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 cup chicken broth
For serving:
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
2. Rub drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
4. Add drumsticks skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
5. Flip drumsticks and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove drumsticks from skillet and set aside.
7. Reduce heat to medium and add curry paste to the skillet.
8. Cook curry paste for 1 minute until fragrant.
9. Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine with the paste.
10. Add brown sugar, fish sauce, and chicken broth.
11. Bring sauce to a simmer for 3 minutes.
12. Return drumsticks to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
13. Cover skillet and simmer for 25 minutes at 300°F.
14. Uncover and simmer for 10 more minutes to thicken sauce.
15. Check internal temperature of drumsticks reaches 165°F.
16. Serve drumsticks and sauce over cooked jasmine rice.
17. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Deliciously tender chicken falls off the bone in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce. The rice soaks up every bit of the slightly spicy, aromatic liquid. Serve with extra lime wedges for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a busy parent or just love easy meals, these 21 savory one-dish chicken drumstick recipes are perfect for any night. Give them a try, share your favorites in the comments, and pin this article on Pinterest to save for later!
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
