I love having simple recipes at my fingertips, especially ones I can throw together without much hassle. This easy baked chicken drumsticks recipe is right up my alley — quick, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Since I’ve gotten into meal planning, I’ve noticed how helpful it is to have a few back-pocket recipes like this one. Sometimes I plan for leftovers, but let’s be honest — with a hungry family, that doesn’t always happen! This recipe is perfect to whip up when I need something delicious without a lot of effort.
One of my favorite things about baked chicken drumsticks is that they’re so affordable! Drumsticks are one of the cheapest cuts of meat, making this meal a great option for stretching the grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
The marinade does need a little time to work its magic, but don’t let that scare you off! You can mix it all up the night before or even stash a few bags in the freezer for later. Having meals ready to go like this makes busy nights so much easier.
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Drumsticks
- 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder

Directions
- Grab a gallon-sized bag and toss all the ingredients inside.
- Seal the bag and give it a good squish to coat the chicken drumsticks evenly.
- Let the drumsticks marinate in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. (If you’re making this as a freezer meal, just pop the bag in the freezer and pull it out to thaw the night before you’re ready to cook.)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the baked chicken drumsticks on top. If you’re going for crispy skin, use a wire rack on top of the pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F. I don’t usually flip them while cooking — I like to keep things as simple as possible!
- Let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions
I usually serve these easy baked chicken drumsticks with some sort of potato, a side of vegetables, or buttered rice — whatever I have on hand! If there’s any marinade leftover on the pan, I like to drizzle it over the chicken for extra flavor.
Make It Your Own
You can totally switch up the seasonings to fit your taste. Add a little BBQ sauce at the end, sprinkle on smoked paprika, or toss in some red pepper flakes for a little kick. This recipe is super forgiving — no need to overthink it!

This easy baked chicken drumstick recipe is one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. Plus, having freezer meals ready to go has been such a game-changer for our busy family life!
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