These flavorful and scrumptious Lemon Pepper Drumsticks are finger-licking good with a crispy skin, packed with lemon flavor of lemony flavor. Using a few basic ingredients bake these chicken legs for an easy lunch or a delicious dinner.
These Lemon Pepper Drumsticks are so delicious and you can pair it with so many options.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Make these crispy drumsticks using a few basic ingredients in less than an hour.
- This recipe is low carb and rich in protein.
- This is an affordable meal as chicken drumsticks are cheap and budget friendly like this Buffalo Chicken Thighs and Malai Chicken Tikka.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks with bone and skin are best for this recipe.
- Lemon juice for a tangy kick that elevates the flavor of these drumsticks.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Prepare this recipe with Chicken Thighs.
- In case you do not have fresh lemons, use Bottled lemon juice.
- For crunchier drumsticks, add ¼ cup of Bread Crumbs in the marination.
- Once the chicken is done baking broil them at high speed for 2 - 3 minutes until you get the desired golden crispy skin.
This recipe hasn't been tested with alternative substitutions or variations. If you choose to replace or include different ingredients, we'd love to hear about your experience. Please share your feedback in the comments section below!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Drumsticks
Detailed Instructions Below! See the key steps here, then head to the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Combine all spices into a large bowl with chicken legs.
2. Mix the spices thoroughly into the chicken legs. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
3. Place the chicken legs on the wire rack over a baking tray.
4. Bake at preheated oven at 425 F for 45 minutes. Flip the chicken legs around 20 minutes to ensure crispier skin and even baking on both sides.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Grilling Instructions
Place the them on a grill at medium-high heat (375 F - 400 F) for about 25 - 30 minutes. Take them off the grill once done.
Air Frying Instructions
Follow the instructions to marinate the drumsticks. Preheat the air fryer at 400 F. Cook the chicken legs for about 20 - 25 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken legs half way down the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a crispy skin from both sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Vegetables/Mashed Potatoes: Serve these drumsticks with mashed potatoes or grilled peppers, brussels sprouts and onions.
- Salads: I love serving these drumsticks with Tuna Corn Salad or any other salad of your choice and boiled white basmati rice.
Expert Tips
- Chicken Skin On or Off can be used for this recipe, depending on your preference. I personally enjoy the added flavor and crispy texture that the skin provides.
- Marinate the Chicken Legs for at least an hour, or longer for deeper flavor infusion.
Recipe FAQs
A simple method to check if the chicken is ready is by using an instant thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer in the chicken and if the internal temperature reaches at 165 F then your chicken is soft and tender enough to be declared fully cooked. Take it out of the oven at this point.
Score the drumstick surfaces with a sharp knife in 3 or 4 places to enhance flavor absorption, then set them aside. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning and zested lemon to make the marinade. Coat the drumsticks with this mixture and arrange them on a greased baking dish and bake.
How to Store
Refrigerator
Place the leftover chicken legs in an air-tight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap the individual drumsticks in plastic wrap and place them in an air-tight container or bag and then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
Thaw the chicken legs overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Then:
- Air Fryer: Set the air fryer at 400 F and place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and bake for about 4 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat the oven at 400 F and place the leftover drumsticks on the baking tray. Bake for 8 minute until heated completely.
- Microwave: Place the chicken legs in a microwavable plate and place it in the microwave and heat in 30 seconds intervals till heated completely.
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Related Chicken Recipes
Recipe
Lemon Pepper Drumsticks
Equipment
- Baking tray or sheet pan.
- silicone mat or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (with skin) (about 8 drumsticks)
- 1 lemon zested (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (10 g)
- 2 cloves garlic (10 - 14 g)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (13 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 425 F.
- Take a large bowl and add chicken pieces to it. Add all the spices to it and stir well until the spices are nicely coated on the pieces.
- Add a foil layer on a baking tray and place a wire rack over it.
- Place the chicken drumsticks on the wire rack.
- Bake for about 40 - 45 minutes and flip the side at 25 minutes to ensure crispy skin on both sides.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken Skin On or Off can be used for this recipe, depending on your preference. I personally enjoy the added flavor and crispy texture that the skin provides.
- Marinate the Chicken Legs for at least an hour, or longer for deeper flavor infusion.
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