These crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with zesty flavor and are incredibly easy to make. Chicken legs are a very affordable cut of chicken, making them great for feeding a crowd.
Chicken drumsticks are one of my favorite cuts to cook with—they’re like chicken wings but bigger and much less expensive!
Check out my Grilled Chicken Drumsticks or my Crispy Baked Chicken Legs if you need more inspiration.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Why Add Lemon Juice?
- How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven
- Quick Tip From Bri
- Quick Tip From Bri
- Why Are My Drumsticks Not Crispy?
- Recipe Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Additions & Variations
- More Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy Skin: These lemon pepper drumsticks bake up wonderfully crispy, just like fried, but with less mess and hassle.
- Cheaper than Chicken Wings: Chicken legs are a more budget-friendly option compared to chicken wings, making them perfect for feeding the whole family.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you get big flavor without any fuss.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salted Butter: If you’re using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the lemon pepper butter sauce if needed.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice really brighten up the recipe and add another layer of lemon flavor.
- Lemon Pepper: Gives the classic lemon pepper chicken wing flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality brand, like Simply Organic.
- Garlic: Adds a nice extra flavor note to the chicken.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on thighs can be used instead of drumsticks. Chicken breasts will dry out too much, so I don’t recommend using them.
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors in the lemon pepper seasoning.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Why Add Lemon Juice?
- Tenderizes the Meat: Lemon juice contains acids that help break down proteins, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Enhances Flavor: The tangy flavor of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note.
- Helps with Browning: The acid in lemon juice can aid in the Maillard reaction, which helps develop a golden-brown color on the chicken as it cooks.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven
Quick Overview
- Make the lemon butter.
- Toss the chicken legs.
- Season.
- Bake & brush.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
Use parchment paper to keep the skin from sticking to the baking sheet.
Quick Tip From Bri
If the chicken legs aren’t as golden as you’d like after 30 minutes, just move them to the middle rack and broil for a few minutes to get that perfect crispy finish.
- Make the Lemon Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon pepper, and granulated garlic. Set aside.
- Toss and Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with the lemon juice until evenly coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature if time allows.
- Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with the salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Spray them generously with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the drumsticks on the upper rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant read meat thermometer. If needed, carefully move the drumsticks to the middle rack and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy finish. Once done, brush the drumsticks with the lemon butter mixture and serve hot.
Why Are My Drumsticks Not Crispy?
- Excess Moisture: If the chicken isn’t patted dry before cooking, excess moisture can prevent it from becoming crispy. Ensure the drumsticks are thoroughly dried with paper towels.
- Overcrowding the Pan: If the drumsticks are too close together on the baking sheet, they might steam rather than crisp up. Arrange them in a single layer with some space between each piece.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (450°F or 230°C) before placing the drumsticks inside. An oven that’s not hot enough can lead to soggy skin.
- Skipping the Broil Step: If the drumsticks need more color or crispiness, broil them for a few minutes at the end of cooking, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
These lemon pepper chicken legs are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try one of these:
- Red Skin Mashed Potatoes: Heavy on the sour cream.
- Au Gratin Potatoes with Ham: White cheddar cheese in every layer.
- Roasted Green Beans and Carrots: Drizzled with lemon, garlic, brown butter, and parmesan cheese.
- Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender.
- Cast Iron Corn: Fried to perfection.
Expert Tips
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels before marinating to help achieve crispier skin.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for the full 15-20 minutes to ensure the flavors penetrate deeply.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F (230°C) to get the best crispy results.
- Monitor Broiling Time: If broiling, watch the chicken closely to prevent burning. It only takes a few minutes to achieve a golden finish.
Additions & Variations
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of lemon pepper and garlic to suit your taste preferences or experiment with other seasonings, like cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Add some parmesan to the lemon pepper butter for a cheesy twist.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Reduce the temperature if the drumsticks are browning too quickly.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 30-35 minutes or until they have a nice char. Use indirect heat if needed to avoid burning.
More Chicken Recipes
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Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
These crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with zesty flavor and are incredibly easy to make. Chicken legs are a very affordable cut of chicken, making them great for feeding a crowd.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- zest of 1 small lemon
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 6 chicken drumsticks (legs), about 2 pounds
- juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*
- fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon pepper, and granulated garlic. Set aside.2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted, zest of 1 small lemon, 2 teaspoons lemon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Toss and Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with the lemon juice until evenly coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature if time allows.6 chicken drumsticks (legs), about 2 pounds, juice of 1 small lemon
- Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with the salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Spray them generously with olive oil or avocado oil spray.1 1/2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*, fresh cracked black pepper
- Bake and Broil: Bake the drumsticks on the upper rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant read meat thermometer. If needed, carefully move the drumsticks to the middle rack and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy finish. Once done, brush the drumsticks with the lemon butter mixture and serve hot.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Notes
- Lemon Pepper: Gives the classic lemon pepper chicken wing flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality brand, like Simply Organic.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on thighs can be used instead of drumsticks. Chicken breasts will dry out too much, so I don’t recommend using them.
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
Nutrition
Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 1381mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.03g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
