Oven Baked Greek Chicken Drumsticks

This Greek Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is juicy, tender, and coated in a delicious garlic herb marinade. Great to prepare in advance, it bakes quickly for an easy weeknight dinner that doubles as meal prep! 

Chicken dinners are a staple in my house, and I serve a variation pretty much every week. However, chicken drumsticks in the oven are my favorite fail-proof option when I don’t know what to make. I love to prepare them a day in advance. Then, all I have to do is pop them in the oven, and I can have dinner on the table in less than an hour! Every bite is juicy, tender, and full of vibrant, herbaceous flavor that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, the chicken pairs well with all your favorite side dishes making it the perfect delicious recipe for easy family dinners. 

Why You Will Love These Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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• Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort for the marinade, this oven-baked chicken drumsticks recipe is great to prep ahead of time for those nights when you know you’re going to need a quick, no-fuss dish. It requires less than 10 minutes of prep!
• There are no fancy ingredients in this baked chicken legs recipe, all you need is a handful of pantry staples to make the seasoning blend. 
• Marinated until flavorful and tender, the chicken always turns out juicy and delicious and the chicken skin is crisp. You’ll never have to experience bland, dry chicken again! 
• These chicken drumsticks are so versatile! You can add them to salads, warps, rice bowls, and pasta. Or, enjoy them on their own with a side or two. 
• Leftovers store and reheat well. So, you can prepare a big batch and have ready-to-eat protein for several days. 
• This recipe is high-protein, nut-free, dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly, making it a great option for feeding a large crowd with a variety of dietary needs.  

 

Ingredients You Need To Make These Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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• Chicken: Look for large chicken drumsticks that are roughly the same size to allow for even cooking. I tend to use bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, but boneless skinless will also work. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed. 
• Garlic: I recommend using fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic will also work if you’re short on time. 
• Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to form the base of the marinade, combining the ingredients and helping to tenderize the chicken. If preferred, avocado oil will also work. The flavor of your chicken just won’t be quite as strong. 
• Lemons: Use both lemon juice and lemon zest to add a vibrant, citrusy flavor that balances out the herbaceous flavor and to help tenderize the chicken even further. 
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and dried basil create the bold, herby flavor we want with this recipe! If you want even more flavor, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like regular paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, or any seasoning mix you have on hand. 

 

How To Make These Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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1. If desired, pat the chicken down with clean paper towels, removing any excess moisture to create crispy skin. Then, Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl or zip loc bag. Add all the remaining ingredients, seal the bag, and toss the drumsticks to ensure they are well coated in the oil and herbs. Transfer the chicken to the fridge to marinate for at least an hour or ideally overnight. 
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy clean-up!)
3. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Then, transfer the chicken to the preheated oven, and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. You will know your drumsticks are done when they reach a minimum internal temperature of 175ºF when measured with a meat thermometer.
4. Let your chicken rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the chicken juices to redistribute, and enjoy warm! 

You can find full instructions in the recipe card below. 

How Long To Let The Chicken Marinate

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It’s important to let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. Otherwise, it won’t have enough time to absorb the flavor of the marinade. However, if possible, I highly recommend letting the chicken marinate overnight. This creates the boldest taste and juiciest texture! 

Can I Cook These Chicken Drumsticks In The Airfryer

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Yes, this recipe works well in the air fryer and air fryer chicken drumsticks come out even crispier skin than the baked version. For the best results, follow the instructions as usual, combining the marinade and coating the chicken. Then, when you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the basket, and arrange the drumsticks in an even layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Work in batches as needed! Then, close the air fryer, and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over, and continue to cook for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175ºF when measured with an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes, and enjoy! 

Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken

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I prefer to use drumsticks for this recipe because dark meat chicken adds lots of flavor and tends to stay juicier once cooked. However, you can easily use any part of the chicken you prefer. Bone-in, skin-on or boneless skinless chicken breasts, legs, chicken wings, and skin-on chicken thighs all taste great! Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on what cut you choose and the size of your chicken. So, keep a close eye on your oven, and adjust the cooking time as needed. 

What To Serve With These Greek Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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This Greek baked chicken drumsticks recipe is incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of different sides and main courses. For instance, you can enjoy it on its own with simple veggies like roasted broccoli, charred asparagus, or green beans. Or, cut it up, and add it to a salad. It’s fantastic served over cauliflower tabouleh salad or my Greek salad with cauliflower couscous. Alternatively, you can add it to pasta dishes, or pair it with carbs like rice, roasted sweet potatoes, French fries, or even potato salad. Or, cut it up and serve it in sandwiches or lettuce wraps such as BLT chicken lettuce wraps. The options are truly endless! 

What About Leftovers

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Leftover chicken drumsticks will last for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Or, you can freeze leftovers for up to 9 months! When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy them cold. Or, warm them up in the microwave, a skillet over medium-high heat, or in the oven at  375°F until heated through. If the tops of the chicken begin to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil, and continue to bake until your desired temperature is achieved. 

Here are a few more delicious chicken recipes that you might enjoy: 

• Air Fryer Cajun Chicken 
• Panko Chicken Cutlets
• The BEST Grilled Chicken (No Marinating Time) 
• Za’atar Chicken with Tahini Lemon Sauce
• Herb & Citrus Chicken 
• Paleo Chicken Tenders

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If you make this Baked Greek Chicken Drumsticks recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!

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