Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Dinner

Crispy baked lemon pepper chicken drumsticks bring a zesty punch to your dinner table.

Light seasoning creates an irresistible golden exterior that locks in juicy meat.

Pantry staples make this meal seriously simple to prepare.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each tender bite, promising maximum satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Simple kitchen skills turn ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Prepare to savor every delicious morsel that emerges from your oven.

Why Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks Are a Go-To Dinner Favorite

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Massaging the spice blend directly into the meat creates an incredible taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
• Quick Kitchen Victory: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
• Healthy Protein Power: Chicken drumsticks provide lean protein, and the simple seasoning technique allows you to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing incredible taste or texture.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these drumsticks complement multiple side dishes and suit various dining occasions.

Everything You’ll Need for Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Fresh chicken pieces that provide the primary protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Lemon Zest, Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A vibrant mixture that creates a zesty and aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning and crispy skin.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Slices: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that enhances the visual appeal and provides a citrusy accent to the dish.

How to Bake Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks with Crispy Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for super easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Dry Those Drumsticks

Use paper towels to completely dry the chicken drumsticks. This trick helps create a crispy skin that’ll make everyone at the table want to dig in.

Step 3: Mix Magical Seasoning

• Lemon zest
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step 4: Oil It Up

Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, making sure each piece gets a beautiful, even coating that’ll help the seasonings stick like best friends.

Step 5: Season with Excitement

Sprinkle the spice blend generously over all sides of the drumsticks. Get hands-on and massage that flavor into every nook and cranny of the meat.

Step 6: Arrange for Success

Place the seasoned drumsticks on the baking sheet, giving each piece some breathing room so they can get crispy and golden all around.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let those drumsticks cook for 35-40 minutes. Flip them once halfway through to ensure they’re evenly golden and crisp.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Grab a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F at the thickest part of the drumstick. Safety first, flavor always!

Step 9: Rest and Relax

Take the drumsticks out and let them chill for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat mouth-wateringly moist.

Step 10: Serve with Style

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top and add a few lemon slices for a pop of color and extra zing. Watch everyone’s eyes light up when you bring this dish to the table!

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Lemon Pepper Drumsticks

• Dry Drumsticks Perfectly: Use clean paper towels to remove all moisture, ensuring crispy skin that's packed with flavor.
• Massage Seasonings Deeply: Rub the spice blend thoroughly into the meat, allowing each bite to burst with lemon-pepper goodness.
• Check Temperature Carefully: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F for safe, juicy chicken that's cooked through.
• Space Drumsticks Wisely: Keep chicken pieces separated on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and achieve even, golden-brown crispiness.
• Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley and add lemon slices just before serving to elevate the dish's brightness and aroma.

Flavor Twists for Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

• Spicy Buffalo Drumsticks: Replace lemon pepper seasoning with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and butter for a fiery kick that transforms the chicken into a zesty game-day favorite.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap seasonings with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
• Honey Mustard Glazed Drumsticks: Brush chicken with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar before baking, resulting in a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully.
• Smoky Paprika Drumsticks: Blend smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and brown sugar to deliver a rich, complex flavor that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the chicken.

Great Pairings for Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Complement the lemon pepper chicken with a light, refreshing salad mixing arugula, orange segments, and a tangy vinaigrette that echoes the dish's bright citrus notes.
• Create Creamy Herbed Potato Side: Whip up roasted garlic mashed potatoes with fresh chives and a touch of sour cream, providing a smooth, rich counterpoint to the crispy drumsticks.
• Select Crisp White Wine Pairing: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose acidic profile and light body will beautifully cut through the chicken's rich, peppery seasoning.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Lemon Pepper Drumsticks

• Store cooled chicken drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken will maintain quality for up to 4 months.
• Warm refrigerated drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and preserve crispy skin.
• Prepare drumsticks in advance, storing them in portion-sized containers for quick and easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQs for Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

• What makes the lemon pepper seasoning special?

The combination of bright lemon zest and sharp black pepper creates a bold, tangy flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of chicken without overpowering it.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might cook faster due to different meat thickness.

• How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?

Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasoning, and bake at a high temperature of 425°F to help achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These drumsticks can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient option for quick meals throughout the week.

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty lemon pepper chicken drumsticks bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Crispy skin and juicy meat promise a simple yet spectacular meal that delights both family and guests.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning

• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
3. Create a vibrant seasoning mixture by combining lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, thoroughly coating each piece to help seasonings stick and promote even browning.
5. Generously sprinkle the prepared spice blend over all sides of the drumsticks, massaging the mixture into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
6. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to allow proper air circulation.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure uniform crispiness and golden-brown color.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving for a bright, fresh presentation.

Notes

• Achieve maximum crispiness by thoroughly patting chicken dry, removing excess moisture that prevents skin from becoming golden and crunchy.
• Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like smoked paprika or herbs de Provence to customize flavor profile without changing core cooking technique.
• Reduce sodium content by replacing salt with herb-based alternatives or using reduced-sodium spice mixes for health-conscious dietary needs.
• Ensure even cooking by selecting drumsticks of similar size and thickness, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg