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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Easy Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

    Published: Jan 8, 2024 · Modified: Jan 26, 2025 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe

    Marinated baked chicken drumstick recipe is our go-to easy recipe for an easy dinner. A flavorful marinade on chicken legs that are baked in the oven. The result is the most crispy and juicy chicken.

    In a pinch for a great dinner without a lot of fuss, this chicken leg recipe is it.

    Marinated chicken drumsticks that have been baked in the oven on a white plate.

    Looking for specifics on the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredient List
    • Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • Eileen's Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations
    • Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • 🍽 Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • The chicken drumstick marinade takes just a few minutes to put together.
    • Our chicken leg marinade uses simple ingredients and spices.
    • The marinated chicken legs are perfect to bring to family gatherings, tailgating, or any celebration with a crowd.

    Ingredient List

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    •  olive oil
    • lemon juice
    • Dijon mustard
    • honey
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • paprika
    • oregano
    • onion powder
    • garlic powder
    • dried thyme
    • salt and black pepper

    Equipment

    • rimmed baking sheet
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Knives
    • Cutting Board

    🔪 Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, thyme, pepper, and salt.

    A bowl of ingredients including olive oil and spices that make a great marinade for chicken drumsticks.

    Step 2: Add the drumsticks to a large resealable bag with the marinade and seal it closed.

    Chicken drumsticks marinating in a large plastic storage bag to be baked after marinating.

    Step 3: Place chicken in the refrigerator for 1 hour up to overnight.

    Step 4: Remove chicken drumsticks from the marinade.

    Step 5: Place the marinated drumsticks on the baking sheet in a single layer. Be sure the chicken is spread out and not touching so they bake well.

    Marinated chicken legs on a baking sheet ready to be baked in the oven.

    Step 5: Bake in preheated oven on a baking sheet for 20 minutes.

    Step 6: Turn the chicken, and bake for 20-25 minutes to finish cooking.

    Step 7: The internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 165°F.

    Eileen's Tips for Success

    • Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature is 165°F.
    • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
    • Pat chicken dry before baking.
    • Bake at 425F°F to ensure a nice crispy skin on the chicken.
    • Turn the chicken over after about 20 minutes in the oven which will ensure great color to the chicken.
    Crispy easy Oven baked marinated chicken on a baking sheet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to marinate the chicken for a long time?

    Marinating adds flavor and makes the meat juicier. We recommend marinating for at least 1 hour up to 12 hours.

    Can baked chicken drumsticks be frozen?

    Yes, you can freeze raw drumsticks in the marinade. The marinade will infuse flavor into the chicken as it defrosts.

    What should the internal temperature be of cooked chicken?

    The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
    Use an instant read meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of the chicken.

    What is the best temperature to cook the drumsticks in the oven?

    After a lot of testing, bake the chicken at 425°F. This helps give a great crispy crunch to the exterior of the chicken and keeps the interior juicy.

    Is it necessary to remove the skin from the chicken?

    The skin can be removed from the chicken. You won't miss the extra calories and the chicken tastes great.

    Marinated Chicken baked in the oven and served on a platter.

    Variations

    Do you want to change up this recipe?

    • This marinade works great on any cut of chicken from boneless chicken breast, bone-in chicken breast, chicken thighs, chicken wings, and even a whole roasted chicken.
    • Citrus: Limes or oranges can be used in the marinade.
    • Mustard: Grainy mustards can also be used in the marinade.
    • Sweetness: Maple syrup is another great choice for sweetness.

    Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips

    Leftovers can be kept in an airtight covered container for up to 3 days.

    Reheat leftovers in the oven until heated through. Preheat the oven to 350°F when reheating the drumsticks.

    Make ahead: Make the chicken up to 2 days ahead and reheat at 300 degrees.

    Freezer ideas: A double batch of marinated drumsticks can be made. The extra cooked drumsticks in the freezer in freezer-safe bags or containers.

    They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat in the oven at 350°F or using a microwave following manufacturer's instructions.

    Serving Suggestions

    Homemade Mashed Potatoes

    Crispy Potatoes

    Roasted Corn on the Cob

    Roasted Asparagus

    Roasted Green Beans

    🍽 Similar recipes

    Looking for more delicious chicken recipes, try our low-carb chicken piccata, full of lemon and capers.

    Dry Rubbed Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer for game day snacking and family parties.

    Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is another easy weeknight recipe.

    Next time, try our Chicken Dry Rub on your marinated chicken drumsticks for additional flavor.

    Another delicious recipe to try is our Crispy Chicken Leg Quarters. Delicious and easy.

    Check out all our chicken recipes here.

    I have a new cookbook out and it is in pre-sale right now, you can get all the info to order a copy of Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook. All the recipes are ready in under 30 minutes. 

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

    Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:

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    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

                              

         

    📖 Recipe

    Marinated Chicken baked in the oven and served on a platter.

    Easy Marinated Baked Chicken Drumsticks

    A super easy marinade for chicken drumsticks. The chicken is crispy and juicy every time! A great recipe for any weeknight, family gathering, tailgating, etc! 
    5 from 21 votes
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    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: baked chicken drumsticks, chicken drumstick recipe, marinated chicken drumsticks
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    marinate: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5 servings
    Calories: 218kcal
    Author: Eileen Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • rimmed baking sheet
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Knives
    • Cutting Board

    Ingredients

    Chicken Marinade

    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1 medium lemon, juiced
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 Tablespoon honey Note 1
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon ground thyme
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Chicken Drumsticks

    • 10 medium chicken drumsticks, skin removed Note 2
    • cooking spray
    US Customary - Metric

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    Instructions

    How to make Chicken Drumstick Marinade

    • In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire Sauce, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Add salt to your preference. 
    • Pour the marinade into a large storage bag along with the drumsticks. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. 

    How to bake chicken drumsticks

    • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Remove chicken from the marinade, pat dry. Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in center rack of oven for 20 minutes. Turn chicken and bake another 20-25 minutes. Internal temperature of chicken should be 165°F when cooked through.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check the Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
    Note 1: If Keto or Low-carb, use a low-carb sweetener instead of honey, such as stevia or monk fruit. 
    Note 2: If you prefer to leave the skin on, it is a personal preference. The nutritional values do not include the skin on the chicken drumsticks.
    Tips:
    • Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature is 165°F.
    • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
    • Pat chicken dry before baking.
    • Bake at 425F°F to ensure a nice crispy skin on the chicken.
    • Turn the chicken over after about 20 minutes in the oven which will ensure great color to the chicken.
    Serving Suggestions: Great with Cajun Mac and Cheese, Green Beans Recipe, 
    Check out my store.  I am sharing great finds for not just cooking, I hope you check it out here, Everyday Eileen 
     
    I am not a registered dietician, I do my best to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2drumsticks | Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!
    easy marinated chicken drumsticks that have been baked and served on a white platter

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