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image of fresh chicken drumsticks fresh rosemary lemon garlic olive oil salt black pepper paprika thyme onion butter parsley arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy chicken drumsticks roasted to perfection with bright lemon, fresh rosemary, and garlic. A simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that's kid-friendly and budget-conscious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Rosemary Marinade
  • 8-10 pieces chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs) Pat dry with paper towels
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 pieces lemons One for juice, one sliced for garnish
  • 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped finely
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) adds color

Equipment

  • Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack (optional, but recommended for crispier skin)
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl or zip-top bag
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Prepare and Season
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, or set a wire rack over the pan for extra crispiness.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, juice of one lemon, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Add the zest of the juiced lemon for extra flavor.
  4. Place drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over them and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature for best results.
Roast to Perfection
  1. Arrange marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Slice the remaining lemon and tuck the rounds between the chicken pieces.
  2. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking if desired.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Optional Variations
  1. For extra crispy skin, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  2. To make a complete sheet pan meal, add cubed potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to the pan 15 minutes before the chicken is done.
  3. For a sweeter finish, brush with a honey-lemon glaze (2 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp lemon juice) during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 28gFat: 18g

Notes

These drumsticks store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. For meal prep, these pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
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