15 Easy Chicken Drumstick Recipes That Are Flavorful and Juicy
It'll become your go-to for quick weeknight dinners!
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Of all the chicken recipes, we've mastered the art of cooking chicken breast and tested out plenty of chicken thigh recipes. We've even figured out how to cook chicken wings (both in the oven and the air fryer). But there's one part of the chicken that's just as versatile and delicious: the drumstick! With these chicken drumstick recipes, you'll find plenty of easy dinner ideas, like slow cooker chicken recipes, sheet pan curried chicken, and a hot and sweet drumstick recipe that Ree Drummond describes as "just spicy enough to make a difference." Best of all, drumsticks are a great option if you're looking for affordable weeknight dinners.
So, what is a drumstick, anyway? Chicken drumsticks are the bottom part of the chicken leg (the top part is the thigh). They're often cooked in the same way as thighs (bone-in and skin-on) and they deliver the same meaty, juicy flavor. So you can usually swap in chicken drumsticks for thighs if you're in a pinch. Try them grilled, baked, fried, or even cooked in an air fryer. And when it comes to sauces—the options are endless! Here, you'll find buffalo chicken, spicy peanut chicken, honey mustard chicken, and orange chicken. Once you've picked the recipe that’s right for you, all you need to complete the meal are the best side dishes for chicken.
Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
Barbecue chicken is a cookout favorite, especially when it involves homemade barbecue sauce! This one has brown sugar and chipotle chiles for the perfect balance of flavor.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
Sheet-Pan Curried Chicken
The chicken roasts alongside the vegetables in this easy weeknight dinner. That means less clean-up and more family time, so it's a win-win!
Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Curried Chicken recipe.
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Bone-in chicken pieces, like drumsticks, are perfect for this method of cooking. The marinade infuses with the chicken and the grill gives it those beautiful grill marks!
Get the Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe.
Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese Salad
This easy meal has all your favorite game day flavors. And you can even shred the chicken if you have leftovers for a fun buffalo chicken sandwich.
Sheet-Pan Spicy Chicken and Broccoli
This flavorful peanut sauce is used both as a marinade for the chicken and as a dipping sauce when serving. Make it your own by adding more cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Spicy Chicken and Broccoli recipe.
Hot and Sweet Drumsticks
All you need are a few pantry ingredients to make this drumstick recipe but if you feel like doctoring it up, take Ree Drummond's advice and try fresh minced ginger, sliced scallions, or chopped serrano peppers.
Get the Hot and Sweet Drumsticks recipe.
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Drumsticks or bone-in thighs are best for this one-dish wonder. The chicken cooks with the rice so it's a complete meal for your family.
Get the Baked Chicken Legs and Rice recipe at Nourish and Fete.
Roasted Greek Chicken Drumsticks
Mediterranean flavors like Greek oregano, garlic, and lemon make these drumsticks irresistible. Serve them up with pita wedges and your favorite Greek salad.
Get the Roasted Greek Chicken Drumsticks recipe at Sweet C's Design.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks
If you're a fan of orange chicken, this recipe is for you! The drumsticks cook in the slow cooker so it's a hands-free meal that's perfect for serving alongside rice.
Get the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks recipe at The Magical Slow Cooker.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
There's a secret ingredient in this recipe that guarantees it comes out extra-crispy every time. Oh, and did we mention it ready in less than 15 minutes?!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe at The Big Man's World.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic and Herbs
This is the kind of dinner where you can just stick the chicken on a pan and walk away. It's no fuss, full of flavor, and can easily be served with your favorite side dishes.
Get the Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic and Herbs recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.
Honey Mustard Chicken
This original recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, but they also suggest swapping in drumsticks if you prefer. Either way, it's saucy, glossy, and finger-licking good!
Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks
You'll be able to hear the crunch of this crispy Southern favorite. It has a classic breading that everyone knows and loves.
Get the Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks recipe at Chef Lola's Kitchen.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are first seasoned with a dry rub and then tossed in buffalo sauce so you know they're loaded with flavor. Plus, they have a healthy spin thanks to the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks recipe at Real Food with Sarah.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
This 5-ingredient recipe comes together in one slow cooker. It might just be the easiest dinner you make this year.
Get the Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes recipe at Slow Cooker Gourmet.
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