Chicken drumsticks are a weeknight dinner hero. They’re affordable, packed with flavor, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you like them baked, fried, grilled, or cooked in a slow cooker, drumsticks are incredibly versatile and can take on just about any seasoning or marinade.
In this article, we’ll share 6 drumstick chicken recipes that are easy to follow, full of flavor, and perfect for busy home cooks. From crispy oven-baked drumsticks to sticky honey garlic chicken, there’s a recipe here for every mood and craving.
1. Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a healthier version of fried chicken, this oven-baked drumstick recipe is your answer. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Toss the drumsticks in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3–4 minutes.
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Sweet, sticky, and full of flavor — these honey garlic drumsticks are a family favorite. They pair beautifully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Place drumsticks in a large resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Transfer drumsticks to a baking dish and pour remaining marinade over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and glazed.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Love hot wings? Try this twist with drumsticks. These are perfect for game day or when you want a fiery dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat drumsticks with sauce and arrange on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Brush with extra hot sauce before serving for maximum flavor.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for the ultimate experience.
4. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
This is one of the easiest drumstick chicken recipes — perfect for busy weeknights. Your slow cooker does all the work, and you end up with tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.
Ingredients:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Mix barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Place drumsticks in a slow cooker and pour sauce mixture over them.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- For crispy skin, transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Serve with cornbread and coleslaw for a complete meal.
5. Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Drumsticks
If you want a restaurant-style dinner at home, try these garlic herb butter drumsticks. The rich buttery sauce makes them taste indulgent and elegant.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season drumsticks with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear chicken in the skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks
A deliciously sticky and savory option that brings a taste of Asia to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Arrange drumsticks in a baking dish, pour sauce over them, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Baste halfway through for maximum flavor.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies.
Final Thoughts
Chicken drumsticks are one of the most underrated cuts of chicken. They’re inexpensive, easy to cook, and packed with flavor. These 6 drumstick chicken recipes prove that you don’t have to be a professional chef to make a delicious, satisfying meal at home.
Whether you’re craving crispy oven-baked chicken, sticky honey garlic goodness, or spicy buffalo heat, there’s a recipe here for you. Try one (or all!) of these recipes this week, and your family will be asking for drumsticks on repeat.