Chicken drumsticks are often overlooked, but they deserve more attention. They’re affordable, easy to prepare, and full of flavor, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. From bold and spicy to sweet and sticky, drumsticks can handle just about any seasoning or cooking method. They’re versatile and reliable, whether you’re baking, grilling, or slow cooking. If you haven’t already embraced the drumstick as a go-to choice, these recipes might just change your mind.

Close-up of golden-brown chicken drumsticks coated in a glossy sauce, arranged on a white plate. The chicken skin appears crispy, and sauce drips slightly, suggesting a flavorful, cooked finish.
Photo credit: Living Lou.
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Maple Miso Chicken

Maple miso chicken in cast iron skillet.
Maple Miso Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Coated in a sweet and savory maple-miso glaze, these drumsticks bake until perfectly sticky and golden. It’s a simple recipe that turns chicken into something special without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Box.

These baked drumsticks are proof that simple is great. A quick marinade does the hard work, leaving you with juicy chicken that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Great for weeknights when you just need something reliable that tastes perfect.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Orange Chicken Drumsticks

Orange Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Drumsticks coated in a sticky orange glaze that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. It’s an easy way to mix up your dinner routine without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken Drumsticks

Greek Chicken Drumsticks

Greek Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Slow-cooked and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, these drumsticks fall right off the bone. They’re perfect for when you want a low-effort meal that tastes like it took hours to plan.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

Tangy buffalo sauce turns these drumsticks into the MVP of any game day spread. Juicy, bold, and ridiculously easy to make, they might just outshine wings altogether.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

These drumsticks are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, then baked to perfection. They pack a spicy kick and are great paired with your favorite sides. Simple, bold, and perfect for spicing up your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A one-pan wonder that saves you time and dishes. These drumsticks, loaded with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of red pepper, make dinner feel effortless but still special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks

Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

Splitting these drumsticks open before seasoning makes them extra juicy and flavorful. It’s a simple trick that turns an everyday cut into something great for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven

Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven. Photo credit: Christina’s Cucina.

Oven-baked drumsticks that are as easy as it gets. Whether you’re adding potatoes or keeping it simple, these are perfect for busy nights when dinner needs to practically make itself.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Living Lou.

These drumsticks are juicy, tender, and ready in under 45 minutes. Toss them in a quick marinade and let your Instant Pot do the work. Perfect for when you need dinner fast but still want it to feel like a meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Buffalo Drumsticks

Baked Buffalo Drumsticks. Photo credit: Living Lou.

These oven-baked drumsticks swap out wings for a heartier option. Coated in a bold butter and hot sauce mix, they’re ready in under an hour and can be made as mild or as fiery as you like.
Get the Recipe: Baked Buffalo Drumsticks

Baked Sticky Chicken Drumsticks with Cherry Glaze

Baked Sticky Chicken Drumsticks with Cherry Glaze. Photo credit: Krumpli.

A sticky glaze made from cherry jam, balsamic vinegar, and treacle takes these drumsticks to the next level. They’re sweet, tangy, and proof that drumsticks can be anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sticky Chicken Drumsticks with Cherry Glaze

Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

Jerk Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Krumpli.

Marinated in a bold and spicy Jamaican-inspired paste, these drumsticks bring big flavors to your table. Bake or air fry them for a dinner that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

A no-fuss dinner with drumsticks and roasted potatoes that practically cooks itself. Throw everything on one pan, and while it bakes, whip up a quick salad for a great meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

Chicken Drumstick Lollipops

Chicken Drumstick Lollipops. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

Chicken drumsticks get a fun upgrade by trimming them into lollipops. Baked with a flavorful sauce, they’re perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or even as appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Drumstick Lollipops

Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

These baked drumsticks are great for a simple weeknight dinner. Throw everything on a sheet pan, and in 40 minutes, you’ve got a meal that’s flavorful without a ton of work.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: JCP Eats.

Marinated in honey, garlic, soy sauce, and pantry staples, these drumsticks come out juicy with a golden, sticky glaze. Perfect for nights when you need dinner to wow without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: JCP Eats.

Classic fried chicken at its best. These drumsticks are soaked in buttermilk and fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for Sunday dinners or anytime you want fried chicken that’s better than anything you could pick up.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes

Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

An easy sheet pan dinner with drumsticks, potatoes, and carrots that’s great for feeding picky eaters. Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes

Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: Foodess.

These drumsticks are bold, spicy, and charred in all the right spots. Perfect for when you want a dinner that’s flavorful and just messy enough to be fun.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Drumsticks

Bacon Wrapped Drumsticks. Photo credit: Sustain My Cooking Habit.

Drumsticks wrapped in bacon are as indulgent as they sound. They’re easy to prep and a great way to turn up the flavor for dinner or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Drumsticks

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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