Baked Chicken Drumsticks

 

Baked Chicken Drumsticks – Easy Honey Soy Oven-Baked Chicken

These baked chicken drumsticks are an easy, flavorful family dinner made with a simple honey soy marinade, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice and herbs. The chicken is marinated, then baked in the oven until juicy, tender, golden and beautifully caramelised.

If you're looking for an easy oven baked chicken drumsticks recipe, this one is perfect for busy weeknights. The marinade takes only a few minutes to prepare, and the chicken can be served with rice, potatoes, vegetables or a fresh salad.

The combination of salty soy sauce, sweet honey and brown sugar, smoky paprika, garlic and lemon creates delicious sticky chicken drumsticks with plenty of flavour.

Why You'll Love These Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Easy to prepare: The marinade comes together in just a few minutes.

• Full of flavour: Soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon and smoked paprika create a delicious sweet and savoury coating.

• Juicy and tender: Marinating the chicken helps add flavour before baking.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners: Serve these oven-baked drumsticks with your favourite sides.

• Simple ingredients: You probably already have many of the marinade ingredients in your kitchen.

• Great for families: The recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Drumsticks

For the Marinade

• 60 ml soy sauce
• 30 ml olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ml honey
• 15 ml brown sugar
• 5 ml smoked paprika
• 2.5 ml black pepper
• 2.5 ml dried mixed herbs or thyme
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Chicken

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

1. Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, mixed herbs and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavour. If you have time, turn the drumsticks halfway through.

3. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 200 C. Line a baking dish with baking paper or lightly grease it.

4. Arrange and bake. Place the drumsticks in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, turning once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and caramelised. The internal temperature should reach 74 C.

5. Optional glaze. For extra sticky drumsticks, brush with the pan juices during the last 10 minutes of baking, or grill under the grill for 2 to 3 minutes to get a deeper colour. Watch closely so they do not burn.

6. To serve. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve with rice, potatoes, or a salad.

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Marinate for longer when possible: Thirty minutes is enough for a quick dinner, but marinating for up to 4 hours gives the chicken more time to absorb the flavours.

Arrange the chicken in one layer: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish so the drumsticks cook evenly.

Turn the drumsticks halfway: Turning them during baking helps the marinade and juices coat the chicken more evenly.

Check the internal temperature: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74 C before serving.

Watch the final grilling step: The honey and brown sugar in the marinade can caramelise quickly. If you grill the drumsticks for extra colour, keep a close eye on them.

How Long to Bake Chicken Drumsticks at 200 C?

At 200 C, these chicken drumsticks take approximately 35 to 40 minutes in the oven, although the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your oven.

For food safety, check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74 C.

If you want a deeper golden colour and stickier exterior, you can finish the drumsticks under the grill for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These oven baked chicken drumsticks are versatile enough to pair with many side dishes. Try serving them with:

• Steamed or seasoned rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw
• Steamed vegetables

The sweet and savoury honey-soy flavour also makes these drumsticks particularly good with simple rice and vegetables.

Can I Marinate Chicken Drumsticks Overnight?

For this particular marinade, it is best to follow the recipe's recommended marinating time of 30 minutes to 4 hours. The marinade contains lemon juice, so keeping the chicken within this range helps maintain a good texture.

Always keep marinating chicken refrigerated.

Can I Use Chicken Legs Instead of Drumsticks?

Yes. Chicken legs can be used, but the cooking time may vary depending on their size and whether they contain both the thigh and drumstick. Always use the internal temperature as your final guide.

Storage

Allow leftover baked chicken drumsticks to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within a safe refrigerated storage period.

To reheat, warm the chicken thoroughly in the oven or another suitable method until hot throughout. Avoid repeatedly reheating the same leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you bake chicken drumsticks at 200 C?

These chicken drumsticks bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes at 200 C. Cooking time can vary depending on their size, so check that the internal temperature reaches 74 C.

Should I marinate chicken drumsticks before baking?

Yes. Marinating the drumsticks adds flavour and helps create a delicious sweet and savoury coating. This recipe recommends at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

What temperature should baked chicken drumsticks reach?

The thickest part of the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74 C before serving.

How do you make sticky baked chicken drumsticks?

This recipe uses honey and brown sugar in the marinade to create a naturally sticky, caramelised coating. For an even deeper colour, the drumsticks can be finished under the grill for 2 to 3 minutes.

Can I make baked chicken drumsticks without soy sauce?

Soy sauce is an important part of this particular marinade because it provides saltiness and savoury flavour. If you change it, the overall flavour and salt level of the recipe will be different.

What goes well with baked chicken drumsticks?

Rice, potatoes, roasted vegetables and fresh salads are all excellent sides for these chicken drumsticks.

Recipe Details

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus marinating
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Oven Temperature: 200 C

Recipe Notes

1 tablespoon = 15 ml

1 teaspoon = 5 ml

1/4 cup = 60 ml

Salt: Adjust salt to taste because soy sauce is already salty.

Final Thoughts

These easy baked chicken drumsticks are a simple way to turn everyday chicken into a flavorful family dinner. The honey, soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika and lemon marinade gives the chicken a delicious balance of sweet, salty, smoky and tangy flavours.

Bake the drumsticks until juicy and fully cooked, then give them a quick finish under the grill if you want an extra golden and caramelised exterior. Serve with rice, potatoes or salad for an easy oven-baked chicken dinner the whole family can enjoy.