These crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks are super easy, quick, and healthy. This recipe is so tasty, you won’t believe it’s Whole30, Keto, and Paleo approved.
These chicken drumsticks will taste divine with my Garlic Asparagus and Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts on the side.
Table Of Contents
Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Details
These Baked Chicken Drumsticks make a quick, healthy, and Whole30 and Paleo-friendly option for dinner. If you’re the type of person who likes to do as little prep work as possible when cooking, then this recipe is for you!
- TASTE: The baked chicken is seasoned in a mixture of aromatic herbs and baked with fresh lemons on top for the most delicious savory flavor.
- TEXTURE: The center of the chicken drumsticks are juicy-tender and the outside it baked to crispy perfection.
- TIME: Once you brown the meat in a skillet, all you need to do is bake in the oven for an hour and 15 minutes.
- EASE: This dish doesn’t get any easier. Just season the meat, brown, and bake!
What You’ll Need
- Chicken drumsticks
- Seasonings–Salt, Paprika, Dried thyme, Garlic powder, and Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Yellow onion
- Unsalted butter– optional, omit to make this dish Paleo and Whole30 compliant
How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Make seasoning mix. In a large bowl, combine the salt, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Toss chicken and seasonings. Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Prep the onion and lemon. Slice the lemon and onion into thin slices. Set aside.
- Brown the chicken. Heat the olive oil over high heat in a large skillet. Then brown each side of the chicken, but don’t fully cook them.
Pro Tip: Browning the chicken will add more flavor and crisp the skin a little so the dish is even more delicious. Don’t skip this step!
- Line the pan with onions. Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with the sliced onions. Spread evenly.
- Add the chicken and lemon. Place the browned drumsticks into the baking dish and add half a slice of lemon and a small slice of butter (if using) on top of each drumstick.
- Bake. Bake at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour or an hour and 15 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning- Doing this gets rid of excess moisture so the chicken will get even crispier as it bakes.
- Slice the lemon and onions thin- Doing this will give the onions the chance to get soft and brown faster, releasing more flavor. You don’t want the lemons too thick or they will overpower the spices.
- Brown the chicken drumsticks- This step adds lots of flavor and gives the chicken that wonderful crispness to its skin.
- Check the chicken temp with a meat thermometer- To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, check the temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add other vegetables- Onion isn’t the only veggie you can bake with your chicken. Try celery, carrots, peppers, or broccoli.
- Substitute another cut of chicken- You can also make this recipe with chicken thighs, wings, and breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cook time depending on the thickness of the chicken you use.
- Substitute different spices- Use your favorite spice blend. Try cumin, onion powder, oregano, or cayenne powder.
- Add fresh herbs- You can make these Baked Chicken Drumsticks with dill, rosemary, sage, or chives if you like.
FAQs
I cook these chicken drumsticks for a little over an hour. You should always cook chicken legs until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This article from Better Homes and Gardens has a complete list of cooking times and temperatures.
This is up to you, but usually, the chicken will be juicier if it is cooked covered for the first half of the cooking time, and then uncovered for the second half so the chicken can get more brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Chicken Drumsticks are very filling and can be served as is or with a light side. Here are a few tasty serving options to try.
- Salad: This recipe tastes delicious with Shredded Carrot Salad, Cabbage Cucumber Salad, or Purple Cabbage Salad.
- Soup: Serve a bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup or Cream of Mushroom Soup alongside these Baked Chicken Drumsticks.
- Vegetables: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables, and Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes all go great with this dish.
- Rice: For a more filling meal, serve a side of Wild Brown Rice or Quinoa Fried Rice with these drumsticks.
Make These Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Advance
Make ahead: You can prepare these drumsticks and then cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge the day before. Take off the plastic wrap and bake them when you are ready to serve.
Storing: Place any leftover Baked Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They will last for 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish, covered with foil and plastic wrap, for 2-3 months. Just thaw and heat in the oven until warmed through.
More Tasty Chicken Dishes!
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- BBQ Chicken Wings
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (VIDEO)
- Smoked Chicken Breast
- Chicken Pesto Pizza
- Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (VIDEO)
For a more detailed breakdown of how to use spices, click here.
Full Recipe Instructions
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 yellow onion 1 medium
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter omit to make this paleo and whole 30
Instructions
- Add the drumstick to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Slice the lemon and onion into thin slices.
- Heat olive oil over high heat in a large skillet and brown each side of the chicken. Don’t fully cook them.
- Cover the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with the sliced onions.
- Place the browned drumsticks into the baking dish and add half a slice of lemon and a small slice of butter on top of each drumstick.
- Bake at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour or an hour and 15 minutes.
Nutrition
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Melissa boatwright says
Hello this first time trying this dish I hope my family will like it
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Melissa, I hope your family enjoyed it!
Ashley says
I don’t usually comment on recipes like this, but I’ve made these drumsticks so many times, I feel like I probably should. This recipe is seriously a staple in our house. My husband loves it, I love it, and it even works for us when we go paleo. Delicious and easy! Thanks, Dina!!
simplyhomecooked says
Ashely thats so great to hear! I’m so glad this has become a staple recipe in your home 🙂
Kerri Bauer says
thank you so much, my husband said this was one of the st meals,I ever cooked! Yum!!
simplyhomecooked says
You’re so welcome Kerri! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Deb says
Its in the oven now and my house smells amazing. I am sure my taste buds will feel the same as my nose.
Thanks for the recipe!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Deb! Enjoy!
Tasha says
Do you cover the chicken once it is in oven?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Tasha, no I do not cover it.
Ashante says
Do you leave them covered or uncovered?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Ashante, I leave them uncovered
Laura says
Mine it’s in the oven right now! Smells so good…
I added lemon zest to the chicken as well. Can’t wait to eat it!
simplyhomecooked says
Yum! Hope you enjoyed the lemon chicken Laura.
Tatiana says
I’m not a big fan of drumsticks but I decided to try this recipe today since I had some in the freezer that my husband bought a while ago. It was a success!! This recipe came out so good! My husband gave it the thumbs up!! I’ll totally save this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!
Looking forward for more 🙂
simplyhomecooked says
Tatiana I’m so glad this recipe was a winner for you and your husband!
Dee says
Just made tonight easy recipe. ???? Thanks
simplyhomecooked says
You’re welcome Dee!
Anna says
I made this again and the family loved it. My husband kept saying, “This is REALLY good!” 🙂
simplyhomecooked says
Wow that’s awesome Anna 🙂 thank you for the feedback!
Melissa says
Do you drizzle a little bit of lemon juice over them as well? I feel like just the sliced lemons alone might not really give a lemont flavor.
simplyhomecooked says
When the lemon bakes, it releases juices that leak over the meat. But if you prefer a more prominent lemony flavor, you can definitely drizzle a little bit of lemon juice on top of each drumstick.
Keeks says
Sounds delish! Do they pick up a strong onion flavour?
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you! The chicken will not pick up a strong onion flavor.
Adriana says
Thank you for this easy but yet delicious recipe! My husband and our 3 boys really enjoyed it!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Adriana! Glad your family loved it! 🙂
MEG says
My husband, who has known to be picky about his food, pronounced these to be “delightful” and a keeper. We really liked the spice mix. Yummy!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Meg! Glad you and your husband enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Christina says
How long would you suggest cooking the boneless skinless chicken?
simplyhomecooked says
Christina, it depends on how juicy you like your chicken. Start with 30 minutes and keep checking for tenderness.
Melissa jacobo says
it sounds delicious!! quick question: I have boneless skinless chicken, can I use that? I’ll probably have to change the cooking time right? Cant wait to try it out!!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Melissa, yes you can use boneless skinless chicken, but the cooking time will be different. The meat might be a little more dry in comparison to the drumsticks. Hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
Lisa Burnett says
SO good!!! My fiance and I LOVED this recipe!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Lisa! Glad you and your fiancé loved this recipe 🙂
Yolanda says
Made this for dinner over the weekend and it was Delicious! A keeper in my recipe file.
simplyhomecooked says
Yay! Glad this recipe is a new favorite for you Yolanda! 🙂
Ashley says
I made this for dinner last night and wow-ee was it GREAT! 10/10 would cook again!
simplyhomecooked says
So glad you enjoyed the Lemon chicken Ashley! Thank you for leaving such great feedback 🙂
Anna says
I make chicken legs all the time (I buy them at Trader Joe’s, organic and cage free). I will try this method next time I make them.
simplyhomecooked says
Let me know how you like them Anna 🙂