These easy Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Drumsticks are first marinated and then baked to perfection. Tender and juicy, with the perfect balance of seasonings, these drumsticks are simply irresistible.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken
• 🔪 How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks
• 💡 Tips for Baking Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Baked Drumsticks
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
• Can I Make This Recipe in the Air Fryer?
• Should Chicken Legs Be Covered While Cooking?
• Are Chicken Legs Tender or Tough?
• Can You Overcook Drumsticks?
• 🍽️ More Chicken Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks
• Marinated and baked to perfection
• Bold lemon pepper flavor
• Crispy skins
• Quick and easy to make
• Keto friendly and dairy-free

When it comes to flavorful chicken recipes, it doesn’t get much better than savory lemon pepper chicken drumsticks. They’re marinated to perfection, then baked until they are so tender that the meat practically falls off the bone. The combination of tangy lemon and bold pepper flavors is infused into every single bite.

Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends and family, these baked chicken drumsticks are an easy go-to option. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, they'll be a new go-to favorite in your recipe lineup.

If you love bold and zesty lemon pepper flavors, you should also try these Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings.

🛒 Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Chicken drumsticks
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice and zest
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Garlic
• Dried thyme (optional)
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Add the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning (reserving ½ teaspoon), Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, and salt to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until well combined and emulsified.

Place the chicken in a food storage bag, then pour most of the marinade over the chicken, reserving about 2 tablespoons.

Seal up the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure all sides are coated.  Allow them to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Add the chicken to a small baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and a wire rack, making sure there is plenty of room to allow the air to circulate. 

Sprinkle the reserved ½ teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning over the tops, then cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of marinade over the tops of the chicken.

Cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, when checked with a meat thermometer, and serve.  Cooking times will vary, depending on the size of your drumsticks.

💡 Tips for Baking Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven

• The number one tip I always recommend when cooking chicken, or any type of meat, is to invest in a meat thermometer. Chicken can look perfectly done on the outside but still be slightly raw inside. Checking the internal temperature (165°F) is the only sure-fire way to make sure it's done.

• To ensure your chicken legs are bursting with lemon pepper flavor, don’t forget to brush with some of the marinade after about 30 minutes.

• Cooking on a rack removes the meat from the baking sheet and the extra grease from the skin. But if you don't have a rack, you can flip them about 20 minutes into cooking.

• Let the chicken legs set for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. The juices will soak into the meat, making it extra flavorful and juicy.

☑️ Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store cooked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Make sure to let the drumsticks cool completely before refrigerating them.
• Freezer: To freeze cooked chicken drumsticks, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.

🍴 What to Serve with Baked Drumsticks

Baked lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are a simple and versatile main dish that you can serve with almost any side. For healthy sides that are equally easy to prepare, you can serve them with Oven Roasted Broccoli, Chickpea Salad, Air Fryer Home Fries, or a simple green salad.

Other easy and tasty options are:

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Glazed Carrots
• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Garlic: Add minced garlic to the marinade for a burst of garlicky flavor.

• Honey: Add about a tablespoon of honey into the marinade. It adds just a hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy, lemon pepper flavor.

• Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.

• Fresh herbs: Combine chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano with the lemon pepper seasoning for a more herb-infused twist.

• Parmesan cheese: Coat the chicken with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and lemon pepper seasoning before baking for extra crispy and flavorful skin.

If you love fried chicken, be sure to try this recipe for "fried" chicken in the Crock Pot!

Also be sure to try this Lemon and Herb Chicken that is marinated and grilled to perfection!

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Absolutely. Of course, you'll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked properly.

Can I Make This Recipe in the Air Fryer?

You sure can. Just prepare them the same way, then place them on the rack of your air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.

Flip the chicken over and continue air frying for 13–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 165°F.

Should Chicken Legs Be Covered While Cooking?

It's not necessary because dark meat is so naturally moist that it won't dry out. If the skin looks like it's browning too much, just place some loose foil over the top of the legs until they are done.

Are Chicken Legs Tender or Tough?

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because dark meat has connective tissue that turns to gelatin when it's cooked. This is what makes dark meat so juicy and tender.

Can You Overcook Drumsticks?

While they are more forgiving than chicken breasts, you can still overcook them. Overcooked dark meat turns rubbery, so again, use that meat thermometer.

🍽️ More Chicken Recipes

• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Keto Chicken Francese
• Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
• Chicken Corn Chowder
• Keto Chicken Milanese