Looking for an easy, delicious way to feed the family? Chicken drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, making them an excellent option for a quick weeknight meal or weekend gathering.
The secret to perfecting chicken drumstick recipes is in the seasoning and marinade. Whether it’s garlic and herbs, a spicy rub, or a honey-soy glaze, letting your drumsticks marinate, even for 30 minutes, makes a big difference. Finish in the oven, grill, or air fryer, and don’t forget to baste for extra flavour.
What’s the best way to cook a chicken drumstick?
For juicy meat and golden, crispy skin, oven-baked chicken drumstick recipes are a crowd favourite. Baking at a high heat (around 200°C/400°F) helps render the fat and crisp up the skin while keeping the inside moist. Adding a quick marinade can elevate the flavour even further.
What to serve with chicken drumsticks?
Drumsticks are super versatile. Serve them with a fresh salad, buttery mashed potatoes, crispy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a bowl of noodles or rice.
Are drumsticks healthier than chicken breast?
Chicken drumsticks are a good source of protein and essential nutrients, but they do have more fat than chicken breast. That fat, though, helps keep them juicy during cooking. With skin-on, bone-in pieces, you’re getting maximum flavour for minimal effort.
Why do drumsticks take so long to cook?
Because they’re bone-in and skin-on, drumsticks typically take around 35–45 minutes to cook through thoroughly in the oven. The bone affects heat distribution, and the fat under the skin needs time to render. But the payoff is worth it: tender, juicy chicken.
Ready to dig in? Scroll down to explore our top-rated chicken drumstick recipes.
Best chicken drumsticks recipes
These sticky chicken drumettes by Karen Martini are the ultimate party pleaser—sweet, spicy, and saucy with a hit of crunch from toasted peanuts and sesame, all tied together by bold Asian flavours that make them impossible to resist.
Give your weeknight dinner a bold upgrade with these roasted Thai chilli jam chicken drumsticks—sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky, served with a crisp slaw and a zesty lime finish.
These bourbon, orange and star anise drumsticks are a sticky, citrusy sensation—slow-marinated for deep flavour, then roasted until the rich, caramelised glaze clings to every bite. Decadent? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Packed with bold flavour and a hint of sweet spice, these Sticky Asian-spiced chicken drumsticks are quick to make and sure to become a family favourite—especially with that glossy, finger-licking glaze.
These spicy chicken drumettes are crisp, fiery, and perfect for sharing—served with a cool, creamy yoghurt ranch dressing that takes the heat off in the most delicious way.
This Chicken Drumsticks Coq au Vin is a slow-cooked French classic with a twist—rich, hearty and full of flavour, thanks to red wine, smoky bacon, and tender drumsticks that melt in your mouth.
Sweet, sticky, and bursting with zingy flavour, these baked chicken drumsticks with ginger, honey, lemon and soy are glazed to perfection and finished with toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Who doesn’t love drummies? These pleasers bathe in a gorgeous light korma sauce for three hours before legging it to a bed of steamed rice.
A spiced marinade is what makes this one-pot dish so special. It’s an easy, flavourful winner – delicious!
These Asian inspired chicken drumsticks are finger-lickin’ awesome!
All you need are drumsticks, tomato and teriyaki sauces, canned pineapple, capsicum and green shallots. Too easy!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
