Looking for a tasty, affordable, and healthier alternative to pork? Consider chicken drumsticks! These meaty portions of the chicken leg are extremely versatile and easy to prepare in countless delicious ways. Drumsticks make an attractive presentation when arranged on a plate, thanks to their iconic cylindrical shape.
From a nutritional standpoint, chicken drumsticks are a leaner protein option compared to cuts of pork. A 3.5 oz serving of chicken drumstick meat contains around 170 calories, 27g of protein, and just 9g of fat. The same portion of pork averages over 300 calories and 20g of fat. Chicken is also a stellar source of niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12. So for a flavorful and family-friendly dinner, drumsticks give you more nutritional bang for your buck than pork!
1. Oven-Baked Barbecue Drumsticks
Bold and tangy with a sweet and smoky barbecue flavor
Ingredients: drumsticks, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper
- In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices
- Toss drumsticks in sauce until fully coated
- Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, basting occasionally Cook time: 45 mins
2. Honey Garlic Drumsticks
Sweet honey balanced with zesty garlic and a hint of heat
Ingredients: drumsticks, honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha, green onions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar and Sriracha
- Add drumsticks and toss to coat
- Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, basting occasionally
- Garnish with sliced green onions Cook time: 30 mins
3. Lemon Pepper Drumsticks
Bright lemon flavor with a kick of black pepper
Ingredients: drumsticks, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder
- Pat drumsticks dry and pierce all over with a fork
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest/juice, black pepper and seasonings
- Brush or rub the lemon pepper mixture all over the drumsticks
- Arrange on a baking sheet and let marinate for 30 mins
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway
- Cook time: 40 mins (plus 30 min marinade)
4. Crispy Baked Ranch Drumsticks
Crispy skin with a zesty ranch coating
Ingredients: drumsticks, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Soak drumsticks in buttermilk for 30 mins
- In a shallow bowl, mix together ranch dressing mix, panko, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Drain drumsticks and dredge in ranch breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere
- Place on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway Cook time: 45 mins
5. Asian Glazed Drumsticks
Sweet, sticky glaze with flavors of soy, ginger and garlic
Ingredients: drumsticks, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, green onions
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic & ginger
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened
- Toss drumsticks in glaze to coat
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 40 mins, basting with remaining glaze
- Garnish with sliced green onions Cook time: 40 mins
6. Cajun Drumsticks
Bold Cajun spices create a kick of heat
Ingredients: drumsticks, cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper
- In a small bowl, mix together cajun seasoning, paprika and other spices
- Pat drumsticks dry and rub spice mix all over
- Arrange on a baking sheet and let sit for 30 mins
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until crispy Cook time: 40 mins (plus 30 min rest)
7. Drumsticks with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Tender drumsticks smothered in a rich, savory mushroom cream sauce
Ingredients: drumsticks, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, pepper
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper and bake at 400°F for 30 mins or grill
- In a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms and shallots in butter until tender
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute
- Pour in broth, cream and thyme, simmer until thickened
- Serve drumsticks smothered in mushroom sauce Cook time: 40 mins
8. Drumsticks with Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Crispy garlic parmesan crust with a creamy garlic dipping sauce
Ingredients: drumsticks, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper
- Beat eggs with milk in a shallow bowl
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup parmesan, and garlic powder
- Dip drumsticks in egg wash then breadcrumb mixture
- Bake at 400°F for 40-45 mins until golden brown
- For sauce: melt butter and cook minced garlic 1 min, whisk in 1/2 cup parmesan, parsley, s&p Cook time: 45 mins
9.Drumsticks with Honey Mustard Sauce
Sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze
Ingredients: drumsticks, dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne
- Make sauce by whisking mustard, honey, vinegar and spices
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Arrange on baking sheet and brush with 1/2 the sauce
- Bake at 400°F for 20 mins, brush with remaining sauce
- Bake 15-20 more mins until glaze is set
- You can add roasted brussel sprouts to taste or don’t bother
- Cook time: 40 mins
10. Drumsticks with Pineapple Salsa
Sweet and tangy pineapple salsa complements the savory chicken
Ingredients: drumsticks, pineapple, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, salt
For Drumsticks: cajun seasoning, olive oil
- Pat drumsticks dry and toss with olive oil & cajun seasoning
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until crispy
- For salsa, dice pineapple, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and toss with lime juice & salt
- Serve drumsticks with pineapple salsa
- Cook time: 40 mins
11. Drumsticks with Teriyaki Glaze
Sticky, sweet & savory teriyaki sauce
Ingredients: drumsticks, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, green onions
- Whisk together teriyaki sauce: soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
- Pour 1/2 the sauce over drumsticks and let marinate 30 mins
- Arrange on baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 30 mins
- Brush with remaining sauce and broil 2-3 mins to caramelize
- Garnish with green onions Cook time: 35 mins (plus 30 min marinade)
12. Drumsticks with Chimichurri Sauce
Herby, garlicky chimichurri sauce gives fresh flavor
Ingredients: drumsticks, parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
- Make chimichurri by blending parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, vinegar, pepper flakes, s&p
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until cooked through
- Let drumsticks rest 5 mins then serve with chimichurri sauce Cook time: 40 mins
13. Drumsticks with Tzatziki Sauce
Cool and creamy tzatziki pairs perfectly with hot drumsticks
Ingredients: drumsticks, Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Make tzatziki: grate cucumber & drain excess liquid, mix with yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon, oil, s&p
- Season drumsticks with lemon pepper seasoning
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 mins until crispy
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce for dipping
- Cook time: 40 mins
14. Drumsticks with Mango Chutney
Sweet & spicy mango chutney glaze
Ingredients: drumsticks, mango chutney, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, curry powder
- Make glaze by heating chutney, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar and curry powder
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Brush 1/2 the glaze over drumsticks
- Bake at 375°F for 20 mins, brush with remaining glaze
- Bake 15-20 more mins until caramelized
- Cook time: 40 mins
15. Drumsticks with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Creamy and nutty with a punch of heat
Ingredients: drumsticks, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger
- Make sauce: whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger
- Cut into chops for Kebabs
- Season drumsticks and bake at 400°F for 30 mins
- Brush or toss warm drumsticks in the peanut sauce
- Serve with extra sauce for dipping Cook time: 30 mins
16. Drumsticks with Garlic Butter Sauce
Rich garlic butter sauce makes these drumsticks irresistible
Ingredients: drumsticks, butter, garlic, spinach, lemon juice, salt, pepper
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until fully cooked
- In a saucepan, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 1 minute
- Add lemon juice and chopped spinach, season with salt & pepper
- Toss warm drumsticks in the garlic butter sauce before serving
- Cook time: 40 mins
17. Drumsticks with Bacon Jam Glaze
Salty, savory bacon jam creates an amazing sweet and smoky glaze
Ingredients: drumsticks, bacon jam, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard
- Make glaze by heating bacon jam, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Brush drumsticks with half the bacon jam glaze
- Bake at 400°F for 20 mins, brush with remaining glaze
- Bake 15-20 more mins until caramelized
Cook time: 40 mins
18. Drumsticks with Peach Salsa
Sweet peach salsa adds freshness to savory baked drumsticks
Ingredients: drumsticks, peaches, red onion, jalapeno, lime, cilantro, honey, salt
- Make salsa by dicing peaches, onion, jalapeno and combining with lime juice, honey, cilantro, salt
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until crispy
- Let drumsticks rest 5 mins then serve with peach salsa
- Cook time: 40 mins
19. Drumsticks with Coconut Curry Sauce
Fragrant coconut curry sauce with warm spices
Ingredients: drumsticks, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, cilantro, lime juice
- Make sauce by simmering coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, lime juice
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper and bake at 400°F for 30 mins
- Add drumsticks to coconut curry sauce and simmer for 10 more mins
- Garnish with chopped cilantro
Cook time: 40 mins
20. Drumsticks with Romesco Sauce
Bold, smoky romesco sauce with hints of almond and roasted red pepper
Ingredients: drumsticks, roasted red peppers, almonds, tomato, garlic, sherry vinegar, paprika, cayenne
- Make thick romesco by blending peppers, almonds, tomato, garlic, vinegar and spices
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until cooked through
- Let rest 5 mins then serve warm with romesco sauce
- Cook time: 40 mins
21. Drumsticks with Maple Dijon Glaze
Sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze
Ingredients: drumsticks, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme
- Make glaze by whisking mustard, maple syrup, vinegar and thyme
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Brush 1/2 the glaze over drumsticks
- Bake at 400°F for 20 mins, brush with remaining glaze
- Bake 15 more mins until glaze is set Cook time: 35 mins
22. Drumsticks with Avocado Crema
Cool and creamy avocado crema is the perfect dipping sauce
Ingredients: drumsticks, avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, salt
- Make crema by blending avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, salt
- Season drumsticks and bake at 400°F for 35-40 mins until crispy
- Serve warm drumsticks with avocado crema for dipping
- Cook time: 40 mins
23. Drumsticks with Mango Habanero Sauce
Tropical sweet and fiery kick from the mango habanero sauce
Ingredients: drumsticks, mango, habanero, lime juice, honey, vinegar, garlic, salt
- Make sauce by blending mango, habanero, lime juice, honey, vinegar, garlic, salt
- Season drumsticks with salt & pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 30 mins, brush with mango habanero sauce
- Bake 10 more mins to set the glaze
- Cook time: 40 mins
24. Drumsticks with Apricot Ginger Glaze
Sweet apricot jam with a zing of ginger
Ingredients: drumsticks, apricot jam, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes
- Make glaze by heating jam, vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce & pepper flakes
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Brush 1/2 the glaze over drumsticks
- Bake at 400°F for 20 mins, brush with remaining glaze
- Bake 15 more mins until caramelized Cook time: 35 mins
25. Drumsticks with Buffalo Sauce
Spicy, tangy buffalo sauce gives these drumsticks great flavor and heat
Ingredients: drumsticks, hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Make buffalo sauce by whisking hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, s&p
- Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt & pepper
- Brush or toss drumsticks in buffalo sauce
- Bake at 400°F for 30 mins, turning and basting occasionally
- Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce for dipping
- Cook time: 30 mins
Conclusion
With so many delicious ways to prepare them, drumsticks offer endless versatility. From crispy baked options to saucy grilled varieties, these affordable chicken portions make meals more exciting. Ditch the pork and opt for this leaner, nutrient-rich protein. Chicken drumsticks deliver big flavor while being better for you.