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This delicious and easy baked lemon chicken drumsticks recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. With a tangy and flavorful marinade, these chicken drumsticks are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

finished baked lemon chicken drumsticks on a white platter.

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Super flavorful + simple to make, these baked drumsticks are sure to become a family favorite recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty and healthy meal on the table in no time!

With a little prep the night before, you’ll thank yourself the next day for this simple meal, perfect for a busy weeknight!

What you’ll love about this recipe:

KID FRIENDLY – Kids love this delicious baked chicken drumstick recipe! I mean, what kid doesn’t love to eat drumsticks?!
HEALTHY – Clean, good-for- you ingredients — so you can feel good about feeding your family this recipe.
INEXPENSIVE – With only a handful of simple ingredients + some pantry staples, this recipe is budget friendly!

White plates stacked with baked lemon chicken drumsticks, roasted potatoes, and steamed green beans.

Ingredients

chicken drumsticks
fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
olive oil
lemon zest
minced garlic
salt
paprika
dried oregano
black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
large lemon, sliced

Substitutions

Chicken Drumsticks: You can swap for bone-in chicken thighs, wings, or drumettes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut used.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil. However, I don’t advocate or recommend using seed or other unhealthy oils.
Garlic: Replace fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (though fresh is recommended for the best flavor).
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or omit if unavailable.
Dried Oregano: Swap with dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Leave it out for a milder flavor, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Instructions for Lemon Baked Chicken Drumsticks

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Add the chicken drumsticks to a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it into the drumsticks to coat them evenly.

Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.

drumsticks in a large plastic ziplock bag.

Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking tray in a single layer. Pour any remaining marinade from the bag over the drumsticks and arrange the sliced lemon between the drumsticks.

chicken drumsticks arranged on a baking sheet with lemon slices in between.

baked lemon chicken drumsticks finished a baking sheet.

Roast for 35-45 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Some tips for making this recipe

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes crispier skin.
Don’t Skip Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for maximum flavor.
Use a Resealable Bag: Marinating in a resealable bag ensures even coating and allows you to massage the marinade into the chicken more effectively.
Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after roasting, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
Use Foil or Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet to make cleanup easier, especially since the marinade can caramelize and stick to the pan.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Some of our favorite pairings with lemon chicken are Boursin Mashed Potatoes or this yummy Healthier Macaroni Salad. We also really love this Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe!

Our Favorite

Chicken Recipes

platter with baked lemon chicken drumsticks stacked on top of each other.

How to store + reheat leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat: Warm in a 350 degree, F oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as the skin will become rubbery.
To freeze: Cool the chicken completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs About Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter. Start checking for doneness around 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Yes, you can cook the drumsticks in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Marinating overnight gives the best flavor. However, even a 1 hour will still produce tasty chicken. If you’re short on time, try marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick. It should read 165 degrees F. The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute for fresh lemon juice in this recipe. However, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, as it has a brighter and more natural taste. If using bottled lemon juice, ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added sweeteners or preservatives. You can skip the lemon zest if you don’t have fresh lemons, but the zest adds an extra layer of citrus flavor that enhances the dish.

Yes, you can use jarred minced garlic in this recipe instead of fresh garlic. Use about 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for each clove of fresh garlic called for in the recipe. Make sure the jarred garlic is fresh and hasn’t been sitting in your fridge for too long, as its flavor can diminish over time.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know your thoughts on this Baked Lemon Chicken Drumstick recipe by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Pinterest!

Thank you! ~ Mary

Baked Lemon Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make chicken recipe? Look no further! This lemon garlic baked chicken drumsticks recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to fried chicken.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Marinade Time 1

Total Time 1 45

Serving Size

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken drumsticks about 8-10 drumsticks
¼ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1 large lemon sliced

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Add the chicken drumsticks to a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it into the drumsticks to coat them evenly.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray a rimmed baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking tray in a single layer. Pour any remaining marinade from the bag over the drumsticks and arrange the sliced lemon between the drumsticks.
Roast for 35-45 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
For crispier skin, turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon zest, if desired.

Notes

How should I store the leftover chicken drumsticks?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat: Warm in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as the skin will become rubbery.
To freeze: Cool the chicken completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What are substitutions that I can make?

Chicken Drumsticks: You can swap for bone-in chicken thighs, wings, or drumettes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut used.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Garlic: Replace fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (though fresh is recommended for the best flavor).
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or omit if unavailable.
Dried Oregano: Swap with dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Leave it out for a milder flavor, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Tips for success:

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes crispier skin.
Don’t Skip Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for maximum flavor.
Use a Resealable Bag: Marinating in a resealable bag ensures even coating and allows you to massage the marinade into the chicken more effectively.
Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after roasting, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
Use Foil or Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet to make cleanup easier, especially since the marinade can caramelize and stick to the pan.