Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a tray of roasted chicken out of the oven, especially when the kitchen smells like garlic, fresh herbs, and caramelized goodness. These Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks are simple, rustic, and full of flavor—the kind of dish that feels just as right for a busy weeknight as it does for a laid-back weekend dinner. The skin turns golden and crisp, the meat stays juicy, and every bite has that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and herby warmth.

Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to keep the chicken from sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The mixture should smell incredibly fragrant and slightly sweet.
Marinate the Chicken
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss until every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want deeper flavor.
Bake the Drumsticks
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon a little extra marinade over the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the skin is caramelized and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Broil for a Finish (Optional)
For extra golden, crackly skin, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they can go from perfect to burned quickly.
Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of parsley.
Presentation
Serve the drumsticks straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style feel, or arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs scattered around. The glossy, golden skin really shines against a simple white plate. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a bowl of warm rice to soak up the juices.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinate Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🔥 Kcal: 280 kcal per drumstick
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings (2 drumsticks per serving)
Conclusion
These Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks are proof that simple ingredients can create big, comforting flavors. They’re easy to make, packed with aroma, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family or just want a reliable, cozy dinner option, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try—you’ll smell the magic before you even take the first bite.
