Chicken Drum Sticks Recipe
Chicken legs roasted or fried, comes with flats and drums, flavorful and juicy, popular choice, served with mayonnaise.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Chicken & Marinade
Optional Crisping / Frying
Serving & Sauce
Method
Chicken & Marinade
Prepare and brine (optional quick brine)
If you have time and want extra juicy legs, place the drumsticks in a bowl and cover with cold water mixed with 1 tsp kosher salt for 20–30 minutes, then drain and pat dry. If skipping brine, simply pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
Make the marinade
In a large bowl combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, kosher salt, dried oregano, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk until combined.
Marinate the chicken
Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours. If short on time, marinate 15–20 minutes at room temperature.
Roasting (recommended)
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
Prepare pan
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top if available. Lightly oil the rack or sheet to prevent sticking.
Arrange drumsticks
Arrange the marinated drumsticks in a single layer on the rack or sheet, spacing them so air circulates and skin crisps.
Roast
Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning once halfway through (around 18–22 minutes), until skin is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick (not touching bone) reads 74°C (165°F). If you want extra-browned skin, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Rest
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to let juices redistribute.
Pan-Frying / Deep-Frying (optional alternative)
Dredge (optional for crisp crust when frying)
If frying, place flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge each marinated drumstick, shaking off excess. This gives a light crispy exterior.
Heat oil
Pour enough neutral oil into a deep skillet or pot to reach about 2–3 cm (1 inch) up the sides. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer if available; hot oil should sizzle when a small bit of flour is dropped in.
Fry in batches
Carefully add drumsticks to the hot oil without crowding. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until skin is deep golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined sheet to drain.
Serving & Sauce
Prepare mayonnaise dipping sauce
Spoon mayonnaise into a small bowl. Optionally stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Adjust to taste.
Plate and garnish
Arrange drumsticks on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve lemon wedges alongside. Provide the mayonnaise dipping sauce on the side.
Serve immediately while hot and juicy. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.