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4.65 from 48 votes

Roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken

These Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Drumsticks are tender, juicy, and full of bright citrus and herb flavor. A simple marinade and high-heat roasting make this an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Marinate2 hours
Total Time2 hours 55 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 drumsticks
Author: Kristin Maxwell

Ingredients

  • 10 Chicken drumsticks skin removed
  • 1 large Lemon juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry and place in a gallon-size resealable bag.
  • Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Pour over chicken and seal the bag, squeezing out excess air. Massage marinade into the chicken.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  • When ready to cook, let chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Arrange chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Flip drumsticks and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating time: 2 hours minimum, 24 hours maximum. Don't exceed 24 hours or the lemon juice can make the texture mushy.
  • Pan prep: Use nonstick foil or spray generously with cooking spray. The marinade caramelizes and can stick.
  • Resting: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking. This keeps it juicy.
  • Skin on or off: I prefer skinless for better marinade penetration, but skin-on works too (leave it on for crispy skin).
  • Other cuts: This marinade works with thighs, breasts, or any chicken pieces. Adjust baking time based on size and bone-in vs boneless.
  • Freezer prep: Combine raw chicken and marinade in freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days or freeze up to 4 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat at 350°F in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drumstick | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 545mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

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