Chicken drumsticks are a flavorful and juicy cut from the lower leg of the bird, known for their rich dark meat and tender texture. With skin-on and bone-in, they hold up well to grilling, baking, and slow cooking, making them a favorite for everything from casual weeknight meals to backyard barbecues.
Directions:
Prep: Pat drumsticks dry and trim any excess skin or fat.
Season: Rub with oil and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite spice mix.
Cook:
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35–45 minutes, flipping once.
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6–7 hours with sauce or broth for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Ways to Use Chicken Drumsticks:
BBQ Favorite: Slather with sauce and serve with coleslaw and cornbread.
Oven-Roasted: Season and roast with root vegetables for a one-pan meal.
Buffalo-Style: Toss in buffalo sauce and bake or air fry for a spicy twist.
Asian-Inspired: Marinate in soy, ginger, and garlic, then grill or bake.
Picnic Perfect: Serve chilled or room temp with potato salad or fruit.
Soups & Stews: Add to broth-based dishes for extra depth of flavor.
Drumsticks are a hearty, crowd-pleasing cut that’s easy to cook and hard to mess up.
