20 Best Chicken Drumstick Recipes

There is a reason why chicken drumsticks are the most fought-over piece of the bird. These 20 juicy chicken drumstick recipes will show you why.

You cannot go wrong with a crispy and tender chicken drumstick paired with almost any sauce. Have you thought about making your drumsticks teriyaki style by cooking them in the air fryer?

Though buffalo wings are great, you can do so much more with this flexible ingredient.

Wondering what to make with chicken drumsticks? Try out one of these flavor-packed recipes below.

1. Baked Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks do not need to be battered and deep-fried to taste great, and this recipe for baked chicken drumsticks is proof.

This recipe uses ingredients you will probably already have in your pantry and is super flexible if you need to swap out a seasoning.

The chicken drumsticks come out nice and golden brown with a crispy outside. This recipe is so simple and hands-off that it will definitely be joining your weekly rotation for weeknight dinner ideas.

2. Baked BBQ Drumsticks

You don’t need to go out to your local BBQ joint to get a smokehouse taste. This recipe for baked BBQ drumsticks is healthy and flavorful.

The secret ingredients of smoked paprika and ground ginger in the seasoning and sauce add a depth of flavor and a lovely smoky flavor without the smoke.

This recipe calls for sugar-free BBQ sauce if you are looking for a low-calorie option, but you can easily substitute the ingredient for a normal or even vinegar-based BBQ sauce.

3. Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for drumstick recipes for your skin-on drumsticks you just brought home? This recipe for crispy baked chicken drumsticks will give you that crispy satisfaction.

These juicy drumsticks don’t require a ton of seasoning as the flavor of the chicken speaks for itself.

The skin adds extra savory flavor as the chicken bakes and develops a crunchy outer layer that is so satisfying.

Pair these crispy baked chicken drumsticks with a green salad or baked veggie for a simple, low-carb meal.

4. Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

You do not need to wait in the drive-thru line at the chicken fast food joint to get a finger-licking chicken drumstick.

Save time and money by making these spicy fried chicken drumsticks at home.

You can adjust the seasoning to your spice preferences.

These spicy fried drumsticks come out super crispy and the seasoning mixture makes them extra flavorful. Dip them into the ranch for even more flavor and to balance out the spice.

This recipe is great for picnics, parties, or for watching the game this weekend.

5. Buffalo Drumsticks

Craving game time finger food but need healthy chicken drumstick recipes? Make these buffalo drumsticks at home without all the grease you’d get at a restaurant.

These buffalo drumsticks are the perfect combination of spicy, smoky, and savory. They are sure to be a hit as an appetizer or party food.

Just make sure to save yourself a couple of drumsticks before serving because they will be gone as soon as the plate hits the table.

Serve with celery and carrot sticks and a cup of bleu cheese to feel like you are right there at the sports bar.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

When you think about the crispy skin on a chicken drumstick, the first kitchen device that comes to mind is probably not the slow cooker.

But keep an open mind and try out this incredibly flavorful recipe for slow cooker chicken drumsticks.

The chicken just melts off the bone and comes out perfectly cooked each time.

A mixture of barbecue sauce and a spice rub allows the chicken drumsticks to develop a rich flavor as they cook slowly in their sauce.

7. Spicy Drumsticks

Tired of the same old baked chicken or buffalo chicken legs? Spice things up literally with this spicy drumsticks recipe.

This recipe comes out so crispy with a light coating of seasoning.

This also makes the recipe a great low-carb and low-calorie option. These spicy drumsticks are a yummy treat for the kids or can even be set out at your next party as finger food.

Since they are not saucy, they are mess-free to eat and you don’t have to worry about barbecue sauce fingerprints on your tablecloth!

8. Cripsy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for the best chicken drumstick recipe? Check out this exquisitely flavorful recipe for crispy tandoori chicken drumsticks.

You don’t need to order carryout from your go-to Indian spot when you can make this shockingly simple, restaurant-quality meal at home.

The secret ingredients that make this such a stand-out dish are coriander, garlic, ginger and Garam masala, which you can find in most spice aisles.

Pair with a jar of mango chutney and you can even grab some pre-made Naan in the bread aisle.

9. Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

If you are a fan of hibachi or enjoy the savory flavors of Japanese cuisine, try making these teriyaki chicken drumsticks at home.

If you are in a pinch and looking for easy chicken drumstick recipes, you can also use a pre-made teriyaki sauce which you can find in most grocery stores.

The secret ingredient to making this recipe really pop is to sprinkle with white sesame seeds. Add them a few minutes before they’re done baking to add a nice presentation and crunch.

10. Baked Curried Chicken Drumsticks

There are so many amazing flavors swimming around in this recipe for baked curried chicken drumsticks that your dinner guests will not be able to place it, but they will definitely enjoy it.

What are the secret ingredients? Yellow curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and fresh parsley give this recipe an elevated flavor palette.

Despite its many ingredients, this recipe is super simple and all you have to do is bake it. You and your guests won’t believe you made these restaurant-quality chicken drumsticks in the oven.

11. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air fryer fans, are you skimming this list just to find where the air fryer recipe is? The air fryer is such a great tool for making quick and healthy recipes, especially for weeknight dinners.

Try out this simple recipe for air fryer chicken drumsticks.

These air fryer chicken drumsticks come out crispy yet juicy and you can cook them with either the skin on or off.

Season to your liking before cooking in the air fryer or just keep it simple and pair it with a sauce separately.

12. Sweet and Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Sometimes you just can’t decide between a sweet or savory option, but these sweet and sticky baked chicken drumsticks will satisfy all your cravings.

All of your dinner guests will be asking for the recipe with this one, and they will be shocked to see how simple it is.

The secret ingredients to getting this delicious, syrupy coating is a combination of honey, soy sauce and brown sugar,

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute the ingredient for white sugar or just use extra honey to balance out the sweetness.

13. Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

The Instant Pot is a fantastic tool for anyone, busy parents or single diners who don’t require a lot of fuss for their dinners.

This recipe for Instant Pot chicken drumsticks is so easy and will set your mind at ease.

Whether you’re meal prepping or have a million other things trying to get your attention while you make dinner, this recipe will save you time and energy the right way.

The Instant Pot will alert you when your meal is ready so you truly do not need to worry about it.

Just pop it in and in, well, in an instant, you will have perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks.

14. Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Need recipes for chicken drumsticks for an outdoor party coming up? Fire up the grill and enjoy these juicy and tender grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks.

These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks cook quickly over charcoal or on your propane grill, whatever you are working with.

The sauce and seasoning are just the right balance of spicy and smoky and you can always kick it up with more heat by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flake.

By not having to fry them or bake them in oil, this recipe is also so tasty while still being healthy and cholesterol-friendly.

15. Asian Glazed Drumsticks

These Asian glazed drumsticks come out so tender and the savory yet sweet flavor will satisfy every taste bud.

Sriracha and honey are the secret ingredients that give this recipe a sweet but firey glaze.

If you don’t have Sriracha, you can substitute the ingredient for another hot sauce or a chilli garlic sauce, which you can find at Asian grocers.

Scallions add a nice garnish when finished, but if you do not have scallions or chives you can also substitute ingredients like cilantro instead.

16. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Looking for easy weeknight meals? This cream garlic butter chicken bakes together in one pot and you more than likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

This will be your new go-to comfort dish. When you come home exhausted from work, this recipe will not only satisfy you (and prevent you from ordering delivery) it will also be so easy that it won’t require lots of extra energy.

Bring this dish to a potluck to wow your friends or use it as your weeknight dinner recipe for the kids.

17. Chicken Drumstick Soup

You probably think of chicken breast when you think of soup recipes with chicken in them, but did you know you actually make a chicken soup with drumsticks?

You do not need to boil a pot of stock or use a whole chicken to make this hearty and nutrition-rich soup.

The chicken drumsticks will become so tender that they will fall right off the bone, making prep for this soup a breeze.

Make this soup recipe ahead of time and freeze it for a quick and easy dinner.

18. One Pan Baked Chicken Legs and Potatoes

Serving dinner for the family tonight or need simple chicken leg recipes for a big group? Try this one-pan (really!) baked chicken legs and potatoes recipe.

This fully balanced meal comes together so easily.

You really just have to toss everything in the pan and it will all bake together perfectly in the oven.

Roast your chicken legs, potatoes and other vegetables together as the flavors combine to make a savory meal that is so simple to pull together.

19. Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Do not roll your eyes with boredom when you see a recipe for chicken and rice because in reality this baked chicken legs and rice recipe is unlike one you’ve seen before.

Hefty amounts of garlic and a sprinkling of oregano and parsley are the secret ingredients to make this recipe stand out from your typical chicken and rice dinner.

This recipe is so flavorful and when you pair it with a vegetable, becomes a complete meal in no time.

20. Gravy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

In the mood for some country cooking or find yourself needing some good old-fashioned comfort food after a long, tiring day?

Try out this gravy-baked chicken drumsticks recipe and it will satisfy all your cravings.

A gravy made with beef broth adds a decadent layer of richness to this already savory meal.

This recipe pairs great with grain-like grits or rice, or even a fluffy biscuit to sop up all that yummy gravy.

Just add veggie-like peas to the side and you’ve got a full plate!