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.
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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
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- 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.
Step 2: Add the drumsticks to a large resealable bag with the marinade and seal it closed.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marinating adds flavor and makes the meat juicier. We recommend marinating for at least 1 hour up to 12 hours.
Yes, you can freeze raw drumsticks in the marinade. The marinade will infuse flavor into the chicken as it defrosts.
The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Use an instant read meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of the chicken.
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.
The skin can be removed from the chicken. You won't miss the extra calories and the chicken tastes great.
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
🍽 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.
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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
Easy Marinated Baked Chicken Drumsticks
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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
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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
- 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.
Nutrition
