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30 INSANELY GOOD CHICKEN LEG RECIPES FOR EASY DINNERS

Looking for the best chicken leg recipes? Here are 30 easy drumstick and leg quarter dinners that turn the cheapest cut in the meat case into something everyone fights over.

Chicken legs are cheap, hard to overcook and full of flavor, which makes them a dream for busy weeknights.

This list covers crispy oven-baked drumsticks, sticky glazed legs, air fryer favorites, slow cooker and Instant Pot dinners, plus a few one-pan meals with rice and potatoes built right in.

You’ll find flavors from all over too, like tandoori, jerk, peri peri, teriyaki and Greek lemon.

Here are the recipes.

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🍗 How to Know Chicken Legs Are Done

Chicken legs are safe at 165°F, but they taste best when cooked to 185°F to 195°F, because the connective tissue melts and the meat pulls away from the bone. Check the thickest part near the bone with an instant-read thermometer without touching the bone.

✨ Secrets to Crispy Skin

Pat the legs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. A little baking powder (not baking soda) mixed into the spice rub helps the skin blister and crisp, and baking on a wire rack lets hot air reach every side. Add sticky glazes in the last 10 minutes so they don’t burn.

EASY CHICKEN LEG RECIPES

1. Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks get a simple garlic paprika rub and bake on a rack until the skin is crackly and golden.

It’s the base recipe every home cook should know.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and set a wire rack over a lined baking sheet.
  2. Pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the chicken with oil, then with the spice mix.
  5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, turning once, until the skin is crisp and the meat reaches 185°F.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Baked drumsticks get brushed with a sticky honey garlic glaze that caramelizes in the oven.

Kids love these, and the sauce is great spooned over rice.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes.
  2. Simmer the honey, soy sauce, garlic and vinegar for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
  4. Brush the glaze over the chicken and bake 10 more minutes.
  5. Brush again and serve with sesame seeds.

3. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Seasoned drumsticks come out of the air fryer with shatteringly crisp skin and juicy meat in about 25 minutes.

No preheating the big oven, which is a win on hot nights.

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pat the drumsticks dry and toss with oil.
  2. Mix the spices and rub them all over the chicken.
  3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Tip: Don’t stack the legs in the basket, or the skin steams instead of crisping (cook in batches if needed).

4. Baked Chicken Leg Quarters With Potatoes

Herb-rubbed leg quarters roast on top of baby potatoes, so the potatoes soak up all the drippings.

It’s a full dinner on one pan with almost no hands-on time.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 onion, cut in wedges
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss the potatoes, onion and garlic with half the oil, salt and pepper and spread on a sheet pan.
  3. Rub the chicken with the remaining oil, herbs, paprika, salt and pepper.
  4. Set the leg quarters on top of the potatoes.
  5. Roast 50 to 55 minutes until the skin is golden and the potatoes are tender.

5. Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks get a smoky dry rub, then a few coats of barbecue sauce that bakes into a sticky glaze.

You get grill-style flavor without stepping outside.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with foil.
  2. Mix the sugar, spices and salt and rub over the chicken.
  3. Bake 30 minutes.
  4. Brush generously with barbecue sauce and bake 10 minutes.
  5. Brush again and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until sticky.

⚠️ Budget Note: Drumsticks are often the cheapest chicken cut per pound, and family packs drop the price even more.

6. Tandoori Chicken Legs

Chicken legs marinate in spiced yogurt, then bake at high heat until charred at the edges.

The yogurt keeps the meat incredibly tender, so don’t skip the marinating time.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs, skin removed and slashed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Sliced onion and lemon for serving

Instructions:

  1. Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste and spices.
  2. Coat the chicken well, pushing the marinade into the cuts.
  3. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Bake on a rack at 450°F for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once.
  5. Broil 2 to 3 minutes for charred edges and serve with onion and lemon.

7. Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks cook low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce, then get a quick trip under the broiler.

The broiler step is what turns them from soft to sticky, so it’s worth the 3 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker.
  2. Whisk the ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger and pour over.
  3. Cook on LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3 hours.
  4. Move the chicken to a lined sheet pan, and thicken the sauce in a pot with the cornstarch slurry.
  5. Brush the sauce over the chicken and broil 3 to 4 minutes.

8. Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy drumsticks get tossed in a lemony butter and cracked black pepper sauce right out of the oven.

Fresh lemon zest makes all the difference here.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken dry and toss with baking powder, salt and garlic powder.
  2. Bake on a rack at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  3. Melt the butter with lemon zest, juice and pepper.
  4. Toss the hot drumsticks in the lemon pepper butter.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

9. Korean Gochujang Chicken Drumsticks

A sweet, spicy gochujang glaze coats roasted drumsticks with a sprinkle of sesame and green onion.

Serve with steamed rice and quick cucumber pickles.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sesame seeds and green onions

Instructions:

  1. Season the drumsticks with salt and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes.
  2. Whisk the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar and garlic.
  3. Brush half the glaze over the chicken and bake 10 minutes.
  4. Brush with the rest and bake 5 more minutes.
  5. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.

10. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks get dipped in butter, then rolled in a crunchy parmesan and panko coating before baking.

It’s oven-fried chicken with an Italian twist.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and paprika.
  3. Season the chicken, dip in melted butter, then roll in the crumb mixture.
  4. Place on the baking sheet and drizzle with any leftover butter.
  5. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until golden and cooked through.

11. One Pot Chicken Legs And Rice

Seared chicken legs bake right on top of seasoned rice, so the rice soaks up all the chicken juices.

It’s one pot, one pan to wash and dinner for the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and season the chicken with paprika, salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken in oil in a Dutch oven until golden, then set aside.
  3. Cook the onion and garlic, then stir in the rice, cumin and turmeric.
  4. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer and nestle the chicken on top.
  5. Cover and bake 35 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more.

12. Baked Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy baked drumsticks get tossed in a tangy buttery buffalo sauce.

Serve them with celery, carrots and ranch for game day or a casual dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken dry and toss with baking powder, salt and garlic powder.
  2. Bake on a rack at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  3. Melt the butter with the hot sauce and honey.
  4. Toss the drumsticks in the buffalo sauce.
  5. Serve with veggies and dressing.

13. Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Homemade teriyaki sauce gets brushed over drumsticks until they’re glossy and caramelized.

It tastes like takeout, but costs a fraction of the price.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Bake the drumsticks at 425°F for 25 minutes.
  2. Simmer the soy sauce, sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger and garlic for 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until thick.
  4. Brush the chicken with sauce and bake 15 to 20 minutes, brushing twice more.
  5. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.

14. Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

A spicy, smoky jerk marinade with allspice, thyme and scotch bonnet soaks into the drumsticks overnight.

Pair them with coconut rice and fried plantains for a full Caribbean dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 green onions
  • 1 scotch bonnet or habanero, seeded
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Blend everything except the chicken into a paste.
  2. Coat the drumsticks well and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Heat the oven to 425°F and set the chicken on a rack.
  4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, turning once.
  5. Broil 2 minutes for charred edges.

💡 Tip: Wear gloves when handling scotch bonnets, and use half a pepper if your family is heat-shy.

15. Thai Red Curry Chicken Legs

Chicken legs braise in a fragrant red curry coconut sauce until the meat falls off the bone.

Spoon the sauce over jasmine rice and add fresh basil at the end.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Fresh basil and lime

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken and brown it in oil in a deep skillet, then set aside.
  2. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, then stir in the curry paste for 1 minute.
  3. Add the coconut milk, broth, fish sauce and sugar.
  4. Return the chicken, cover and simmer 35 minutes.
  5. Add the bell pepper for the last 5 minutes and finish with basil and lime.

16. Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Only a handful of pantry ingredients turn into sticky, sweet and garlicky drumsticks.

This is the recipe to make when the fridge is almost empty.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with foil.
  2. Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the brown sugar, garlic, butter and soy sauce.
  4. Coat the chicken and arrange in the dish.
  5. Bake 45 minutes, basting with the pan juices halfway through.

17. Greek Lemon Chicken Legs And Potatoes

Chicken legs and potato wedges roast in lemon juice, oregano and garlic until crisp on top and saucy underneath.

The lemony potatoes might be even better than the chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs
  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut in wedges
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Whisk the oil, lemon juice, broth, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
  3. Toss the potatoes and chicken in the mixture and arrange in a large baking dish, chicken on top.
  4. Pour any leftover liquid around the potatoes.
  5. Roast 55 to 60 minutes, basting once, until golden.

18. Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks pressure cook in 15 minutes, then crisp under the broiler with a quick sauce.

You can even cook them straight from frozen (add 5 minutes).

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup barbecue or teriyaki sauce

Instructions:

  1. Rub the drumsticks with the spices and salt.
  2. Pour the broth into the Instant Pot and add the trivet.
  3. Stack the drumsticks on the trivet and cook on HIGH pressure 15 minutes.
  4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
  5. Brush with sauce and broil on a sheet pan for 3 to 5 minutes.

19. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Drumsticks

Golden drumsticks finish cooking in a garlicky cream sauce loaded with mushrooms.

Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up every bit of sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Parsley

Instructions:

  1. Season the drumsticks and brown them in oil in an oven-safe skillet, then set aside.
  2. Melt the butter and cook the mushrooms and onion until golden, then add the garlic.
  3. Stir in the broth, cream and thyme and bring to a simmer.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan.
  5. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 35 minutes and top with parsley.

20. Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

A simple honey, soy and garlic marinade bakes down into a thick, sticky coating.

Line your pan with foil, because the glaze gets wonderfully gooey.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Green onions

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and ginger.
  2. Marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Arrange in a foil-lined dish and pour the marinade over.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 45 to 50 minutes, turning twice so they coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

21. Peri Peri Chicken Legs

Chicken legs marinate in a fiery blend of red chilies, garlic, lemon and paprika, then roast until charred.

Make extra sauce for dipping, because you’ll want it on everything.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs
  • 2 red chilies or 1 roasted red pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Blend the chilies, garlic, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, oregano and salt.
  2. Slash the chicken legs and coat with half the sauce.
  3. Marinate at least 2 hours.
  4. Roast at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  5. Brush with the remaining sauce and broil 2 minutes.

22. Chicken Drumsticks Cacciatore

Drumsticks simmer in a rustic tomato sauce with peppers, onions, mushrooms and Italian herbs.

It’s hearty, cozy and perfect over pasta or creamy polenta.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp basil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season and brown the drumsticks in oil, then set aside.
  2. Cook the onion, pepper and mushrooms until soft, then add the garlic.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, broth and herbs.
  4. Return the chicken, cover and simmer 40 minutes.
  5. Season to taste and serve over pasta or polenta.

💡 Tip: Make it in the slow cooker by adding everything after browning and cooking on LOW for 6 hours.

23. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs

Roasted chicken legs get tossed in garlic butter and showered with freshly grated parmesan.

They taste like garlic bread in chicken form.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken legs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. Toss the chicken with oil, salt and pepper.
  2. Roast on a rack at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  3. Melt the butter with the garlic for 1 minute.
  4. Toss the hot chicken in the garlic butter.
  5. Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.

24. Chicken Drumstick And Vegetable Tray Bake

Drumsticks roast with potatoes, carrots, peppers and red onion on one big tray.

Use whatever veggies are sitting in your crisper drawer.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 carrots, cut in chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, cut in wedges
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss the vegetables with half the oil and seasonings and spread on a large sheet pan.
  3. Rub the drumsticks with the remaining oil and seasonings.
  4. Nestle the chicken among the vegetables.
  5. Roast 45 to 50 minutes, stirring the vegetables once.

25. One-Pan Chicken Drumsticks With Rice And Beans

Taco-seasoned drumsticks bake over a bed of rice, black beans, corn and salsa.

It’s a complete Tex-Mex dinner in one pan.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • Cilantro and lime

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and rub the chicken with taco seasoning.
  2. Sear the drumsticks in oil in an oven-safe pan, then set aside.
  3. Stir the rice, beans, corn, salsa and broth into the pan.
  4. Nestle the chicken on top, cover and bake 40 minutes.
  5. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and bake 10 more minutes.

26. Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Buttermilk-soaked drumsticks get dredged in seasoned flour and fried until deep golden and crunchy.

Frying takes a little patience (and a thermometer), but nothing beats homemade fried chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Soak the drumsticks in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours.
  2. Mix the flour with the spices and salt.
  3. Dredge each drumstick in the flour, pressing it on well.
  4. Fry in 325°F oil for 14 to 16 minutes, turning, until the meat reaches 165°F.
  5. Drain on a rack and season with a pinch of salt.

💡 Tip: Keep the oil between 300°F and 325°F so the crust doesn’t burn before the inside cooks.

27. Hearty Chicken Drumstick Soup

Bone-in drumsticks simmer with carrots, celery and noodles into a rich, homemade chicken soup.

The bones give the broth more flavor than any boneless cut.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • Parsley

Instructions:

  1. Brown the drumsticks in oil in a large pot.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the broth with the bay leaf and thyme and simmer 40 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken, shred the meat and discard the bones.
  5. Return the meat, add the noodles, cook 8 minutes and finish with parsley.

28. Mango Habanero Chicken Drumsticks

A sweet and fiery mango habanero glaze coats crispy baked drumsticks.

The mango tames the heat just enough that most people go back for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 1 habanero, seeded
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic

Instructions:

  1. Season the drumsticks and bake on a rack at 425°F for 35 minutes.
  2. Blend the mango, habanero, honey, lime juice, vinegar and garlic until smooth.
  3. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thick.
  4. Brush the sauce over the chicken and bake 10 more minutes.
  5. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

29. Chicken Shawarma Drumsticks

Drumsticks marinate in a warm spice blend of cumin, coriander, paprika and cinnamon, then roast until charred.

Serve with pita, garlic sauce and a chopped cucumber tomato salad.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Garlic sauce and pita for serving

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, spices and salt.
  2. Coat the drumsticks and marinate at least 2 hours.
  3. Arrange on a lined sheet pan with sliced onion if you like.
  4. Roast at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  5. Serve with pita, garlic sauce and salad.

30. Coconut Chicken Adobo

Chicken legs braise in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and bay leaves, then finish in creamy coconut milk.

It’s tangy, rich and one of the easiest braises you’ll ever make.

Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken legs
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 8 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup white or cane vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Green onions

Instructions:

  1. Brown the chicken in oil in a large pot, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves and peppercorns without stirring for 2 minutes.
  3. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk and sugar and simmer uncovered 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve over rice with green onions.

If I had to pick one to make this week, it’d be the honey garlic drumsticks, because they need pantry staples and everyone at the table cleans their plate.

Buy a family pack of chicken legs, try two or three of these, and you’ll never think of drumsticks as boring again.

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