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Easy • Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy-skinned, juicy chicken drumsticks roasted with bright lemon and fragrant herbs for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
40 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best, and these Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect example. With minimal effort, you'll achieve perfectly crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat, all infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. It's a no-fuss meal that's budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any night of the week. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies or a simple side salad!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for roasting)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  2. Step 2

    Pat the chicken drumsticks very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin! Place them in a large bowl.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the herb mixture over the chicken drumsticks, tossing to ensure each drumstick is thoroughly coated. You can use your hands to really massage the seasoning into the chicken.

  5. Step 5

    Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If using, tuck lemon slices among the drumsticks.

  6. Step 6

    Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. If the skin isn't as crispy as you'd like, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  7. Step 7

    Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your perfectly roasted chicken!

Tips

  • For even crispier skin, elevate the drumsticks on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the drumsticks space to ensure they roast rather than steam.

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