Simple Oven Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Simple Oven Roasted Chicken Drumsticksmade with butter, garlic, herbs, and more. This simple chicken dinner recipe will be on the table in 40 minutes or less, which is perfect for a busy weeknight!

Homemade Oven Roasted Chicken Drumstick Recipe

You all know how I feel about simple, family-friendly dinners that aren’t fussy. I LOVE them. I mean, I have five kids and a life. Sure I love to cook but that doesn’t mean that I don’t ever struggle getting dinner on the table for my people. One thing we all love is a great roasted chicken recipe and this particular recipe is a keeper; I can’t wait for you to try it, too.

How to Make the BEST Chicken Drumsticks

This roasted chicken recipe is super simple. It has things like garlic, rosemary, and lemon in it, but what’s great about it is that none of those are the star of the show. They all work together to produce a really flavorful chicken without any one ingredient really standing out too much. This is one of those basic chicken recipes that you are going to come back to again and again because it’s simple, it turns out every time, your kids will love it, and it’s a great main dish to serve with your favorite sides. It kind of goes with anything and everything (I made notes on side dishes I’d serve this with in the Tips and Tricks section).

I feel like the little trick to this recipe is that you add your garlic and lemons to the pan with the chicken and then add some broth to the pan. The chicken and all of the “aromatics” mingle more because they are in a liquid and the chicken stays more moist. The liquid cooks off and you are left with the most delicious chicken in the end. This simple oven roasted chicken is going to be a stable in your kitchen.

How can I tell if chicken is done without a meat thermometer?

The most accurate way is with a meat thermometer but if you don’t have access to one, the chicken is done when the juices run clear.

Can I make this recipe with drumsticks?

Chicken drumsticks are a great option for this recipe but you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters. You just need to adjust the cooking time as needed. Using a thermometer will help ensure the chicken is cooked through (without overcooking).

How can I make the chicken have a bit more flavor?

Adding aromatics like the garlic and lemon slices and a little chicken broth to the pan helps to make the chicken extra flavorful and moist. You are going to love this little trick.

Complete the meal by making any of these:

• Spinach and berry salad
• Pioneer Woman Potatoes au Gratin
• Baked potatoes

For more recipes like this check out:

• Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with a Pretzel Coating
• Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Legs
• 4-Ingredient Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs
• Crispy Panko-Crusted Baked Chicken Legs
• 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
• How Long to Bake Chicken Leg Quarters
• The BEST Baked Chicken Breast
• Garlic and Herb Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot

So simple, so delicious, so easy. You’re making this tonight, right?!Simple Oven Roasted Chicken Drumsticksmade with butter, garlic, herbs, and more. This simple dish will be on the table in 40 minutes or less!

This post was originally published in February 2010 and has been updated, revised, and rephotographed in February 2018.