Oven Baked Garlic & Rosemary Drumsticks
Garlic and Rosemary Oven Baked Drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with incredible flavor! The savory combination of roasted garlic and fragrant rosemary creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to golden brown perfection. This dish is wonderfully simple to prepare, which means that they are perfect for weeknight dinners.
Chicken is a staple protein in our household. Not only is it highly versatile, but it’s also economical. That’s why I’m always looking for new ways to cook it that are quick and easy, yet full of flavor. This recipe checks all the boxes!
If you are looking for more tasty chicken recipes for your family, add this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo, Zesty Italian Chicken, or Keto Fried Chicken recipe to your meal plan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without a trip to the grocery store.
- Quick Preparation: This dish requires 15 minutes of active prep time and 40 minutes in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Kid-friendly: The whole family will love this recipe, making it a go-to for picky eaters and parents alike.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card, or keep reading for all the tips and variations you need to get started.
- Chicken drumsticks – I love using bone-in chicken because it turns out juicy every time. And, they are budget-friendly!
- Olive oil
- Seasonings – fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Cornstarch
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Love some heat? Add chili powder or red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix for a bold flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice to the top of the chicken for a zesty, refreshing take on this recipe.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Marinate the chicken legs in the olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Lightly sprinkle the cornstarch on the baking sheet, and roll the drumsticks around until evenly coated.
- Spread the drumsticks apart on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the drumsticks.
- Flip the drumsticks. Return them to the oven for another 20-25 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Dry the Drumsticks: Patting the chicken dry ensures crispy skin and prevents sogginess.
- Toast the Garlic: For a deeper flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the drumsticks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the drumsticks some space to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
- Extra crispy skin: When you flip the drumsticks over, slightly spray them with olive oil or avocado oil spray for extra crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this oven baked drumsticks recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Store the drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
The best way to reheat these drumsticks is in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Or in the air fryer at 325 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees (dark meat) in the thickest part of the leg.
Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Oven Baked Garlic & Rosemary Drumsticks
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried), and additional sprigs for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or place a wire rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Let the chicken marinade in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Dust with Cornstarch
- Sprinkle cornstarch on a baking sheet and lightly roll each drumstick in it. This helps create a golden crust without being heavy or floury. Discard excess cornstarch.
Bake
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced a couple inches apart.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
- Optional: spritz the drumsticks with olive oil spray halfway through cooking to make the skin extra crispy.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
