These grilled chicken drumsticks are made with a Garlic and Herb Chicken marinade to make the most juicy and flavorful chicken. It’s an easy and healthy dinner option that’s a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
This chicken drumstick marinade recipe uses simple ingredients like dried herbs, minced garlic, onion powder, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. It’s quick and easy to mix up early in the day so that the chicken can marinade before grilling in the evening.
Garlic and Herb Chicken Marinade
These healthy grilled garlic chicken drumsticks are the perfect main course for just about any night of the week. I personally like to grill drumsticks because I love the flavor of the grill and also how incredibly easy it is to clean up. However, during the colder months you can easily oven bake drumsticks instead.
Our garlic and herb chicken drumstick marinade for grilling can be quickly tossed together in the morning. Let the drumsticks marinate in the fridge for a few hours, then pop them out once you are ready to cook. Because there is little added fat or sodium, you can also feel good feeding this healthy drumstick recipe to your friends and family.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken – drumsticks are great because they are super inexpensive and kids usually love to eat them. You can feel free to substitute chicken thighs or chicken breasts, just keep an eye on the cooking time as it will likely be different.
- Olive Oil – you can use either olive oil or avocado oil for this drumstick marinade.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic has the best flavor, however jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Red Wine Vinegar – this adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Dried Herbs – I like to use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and sage but any Italian herb mix will work. You could also use fresh herbs if you have a surplus.
- Onion Powder – this adds a sweet onion flavor to the marinade.
- Fresh Lemon – you will need both the juice and zest from a fresh lemon for this recipe. It really brightens up the chicken.
How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks
- Make the garlic herb chicken marinade. In a large bowl or a freezer bag, combine the olive oil, garlic, vinegar, dried herbs, onion powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well, then add the drumsticks.
- Marinate the drumsticks. Allow chicken to sit in the drumstick marinade for 2-24 hours in the fridge. Once the chicken has finished marinating, from from the bag or bowl and let the excess drip off.
- Grill the drumsticks. Preheat the grill to medium high, or about 375-400 degrees F. Cook drumsticks on the hot grill for about 5-7 minutes, then flip. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest. Remove drumsticks from the grill and let them rest on a baking sheet or platter for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Oven Bake Chicken Drumsticks
If you don’t want to fire up the grill, you can also bake your drumsticks. Just preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place marinated drumsticks on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for about 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Especially when grilled or oven-baked, chicken drumsticks are an incredibly healthy meal that is also super simple to make.
The USDA says that as long as all parts of the chicken have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°, it is safe to eat. The USDA further explains that even fully cooked poultry can sometimes show a pinkish tinge in the meat and juices.
If you choose to bake your drumsticks instead, they should take between 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees F to cook completely. Always use a digital thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If your drumsticks happen to be on the bigger side, you may need to add another 5-10 minutes to your cooking time.
Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 400 degrees. Place the chicken on the grill and flip every 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the drumstick are 165 degrees. This will take about 30-35 minutes. Let the drumsticks rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Storing And Reheating
- Refrigerator: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: to reheat, you can either microwave your drumsticks or place in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.
More Drumstick Recipes You’ll Love
- Make sure the drumsticks are similar in size for even cooking.
- Let the Marinade Work Its Magic- Marinate for at least 1–2 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Use Olive Oil for Moisture and Flavor
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a key part of the marinade. It adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Chicken isn’t fully cooked until it reaches 165°F internally. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick, near the bone.
- Before serving, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the meat tender and juicy.
Garlic and Herb Chicken Drumstick Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks, (8-12 drumsticks)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or a freezer bag, combine the olive oil, garlic, vinegar, dried herbs, onion powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well, then add the chicken drumsticks.
- Allow chicken to sit in the drumstick marinade for 2-24 hours in the fridge. Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove from from the bag or bowl and let the excess drip off.
- Preheat the grill to medium high, or about 375-400 degrees F. Cook drumsticks on the hot grill for about 5-7 minutes, then flip. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove drumsticks from the grill and let them rest on a baking sheet or platter for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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These Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are easy, healthy, and so delicious. Whether grilled or oven baked your family will love this recipe for juicy, tender, flavorful chicken using our easy grilled chicken drumsticks marinade.
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