30 Recipes for Chicken Drumsticks: Healthy, Easy, and Great for the Whole Family!

January 23, 2025
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Trying to enjoy a cleaner and more wholesome diet? Well, these chicken drumsticks healthy recipes are just what you need! They are simple and full of great ingredients but also pack quite the flavor punch ensuring that you enjoy each and every meal. So, go ahead and check out these recipes for yourself! 

chicken drumsticks healthy

1. Spiced Baked Drumsticks 

If you want healthy drumsticks that also involve no fuss at all, this is a great recipe to follow! Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and other seasonings with oil. Brush this paste onto the drumstick and then bake until they are golden brown and tender! 

Get the recipe here

Spiced Baked Drumsticks 

2. Paprika and Garlic Baked Drumsticks 

This recipe certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to flavor, proving that eating healthy can be quite delicious indeed! Coat the drumsticks in a mix of paprika, garlic, lemon zest, and garlic. Then, bake until tender and broil for extra crispiness! 

Get the recipe here

Paprika and Garlic Baked Drumsticks 

3. Garlic Herb Baked Drumsticks 

When you are craving a whole combination of flavors, this is the recipe to turn to! Whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, sage, salt, and pepper and coat the chicken in this. Bake until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Herb Baked Drumsticks 

4. Honey Mustard Baked Drumsticks 

This classic flavor combination is going to make it easy to convince anyone to eat healthy! Combine raw honey, dijon mustards, and spices together and pour this over drumsticks in a baking dish. Then, pop into the oven and cook until flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Mustard Baked Drumsticks 

5. Lemon Pepper Drumsticks 

These delicious drumsticks wake up your taste buds with a little bit of a kick and a tang! Marinate the chicken in a combination of dry mustard, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oil, and seasonings. Roast until golden brown and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Pepper Drumsticks 

6. Turmeric Baked Drumsticks 

Turmeric is great for your health and also has the upside of being delicious too! Mix the turmeric with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne and coat the chicken with this blend. Then, roast until the chicken is done! 

Get the recipe here

Turmeric Baked Drumsticks 

7. Greek Yogurt Marinated Drumsticks 

Bump up the protein and flavor with this juicy and yummy drumstick recipe! Whisk together Greek yogurt and spices and marinate the chicken in this. Next, pop into the air fryer and cook until the chicken is perfectly crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Yogurt Marinated Drumsticks 

8. Balsamic Glazed Grilled Drumsticks 

These drumsticks boasts a sweet tanginess that is perfectly paired with the rest of the flavors! Whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, oil, rosemary, and garlic and marinate the drumsticks in this. Grill the chicken until lightly charred and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Balsamic Glazed Grilled Drumsticks 

9. Drumstick and Almond Curry

This recipe is full of protein and flavor, giving you the best of both worlds! Start by marinating the chicken in aromatics, chili, and lemon juice. Then, cook with whole spices, powdered spices, yogurt, and sultanas. Simmer for a while before topping with cilantro and toasted almonds! 

Get the recipe here

Drumstick and Almond Curry

10. Baked Thai Drumsticks 

These drumsticks are so loaded with flavor that you are going to forget that they are healthy! Marinade the chicken in a mix of aromatics, lime juice and zest, spices, savory sauces, and sesame oil. Then, lay out in a baking dish and bake - make sure to baste with reserved marinade for even tastier results! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Thai Drumsticks 

11. Crispy Baked Drumsticks 

This is the recipe to try out when you are craving crunchy fried chicken! Coat the chicken in a mix of almond flour, herbs, and spices. Then, arrange on an oiled baking sheet and roast until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! 

Get the recipe here

Crispy Baked Drumsticks 

12. Baked Italian Drumsticks 

This is a simple dish with subtle flavors that is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it! All you have to do is to coat the drumsticks in Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper. Bake on both sides until golden brown and crispy and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Italian Drumsticks 

13. Garlic Lemon Drumsticks 

Add a zing to your meal with these delicious drumsticks! Season the drumsticks with herbs and seasonings and cook for a while. Then, heat butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest and simmer the drumsticks in this until they are nice and flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Lemon Drumsticks 

14. BBQ Baked Drumsticks 

You may not immediately associate barbecue with healthy but this recipe shows you how to pull it off! Toss the drumsticks in spices and marinate for a while before roasting. When the drumsticks are nearly done, brush with sugar free barbecue sauce. Roast for a little longer and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Baked Drumsticks 

15. Teriyaki Baked Drumsticks 

Here is another recipe that lets you enjoy saucy and delicious drumsticks! Begin by baking the drumsticks until golden brown and tender. In the meantime, simmer together light soy sauce, white wine, honey, garlic, and ginger. Once the drumsticks are done, brush on the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds! 

Get the recipe here

Teriyaki Baked Drumsticks 

16. Sriracha Chicken Drumsticks 

This heart healthy meal offers a bit of a kick to your taste buds! Simmer together sriracha, honey, butter, vinegar, and garlic. Then, toss the drumsticks with cornstarch and seasonings before brushing with the sauce. Bake until crispy, top with scallions, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Sriracha Chicken Drumsticks 

17. Mediterranean Baked Drumsticks with Veggies

One way to make your drumsticks even healthier is to whip them up with a ton of veggies just like in this recipe! Marinate the drumsticks in garlic and lemon juice before baking with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Cook until tender, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Mediterranean Baked Drumsticks with Veggies

18. Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks 

Yes, it is possible to enjoy healthy buffalo drumsticks - this recipe does it beautifully! Coat the drumsticks in spices and then roast. In the meantime, whisk together unsalted butter and hot sauce. Toss the chicken in this sauce and serve right away! 

Get the recipe here

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks 

19. Cilantro Chicken Drumsticks 

If you want something refreshing and delicious then look no further than this recipe right here! Blend together cilantro, mint, green chilies, and aromatics before mixing with yogurt, lemon juice, and chickpea flour. Marinate the chicken in this before pan roasting! 

Get the recipe here

Cilantro Chicken Drumsticks 

20. Baked Drumsticks with Apple and Sweet Potatoes

If you are looking for a sweet and cozy meal for those warmer months, this recipe will do the trick! Add the drumsticks to a baking pan along with apples, sweet potatoes, and onions. Then, season everything and add rosemary sprigs. Roast until tender, mix, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Drumsticks with Apple and Sweet Potatoes

21. Fíve Spice Roasted Drumsticks 

These healthy drumsticks use spice and aromatics to add some serious flavor to the meat! Marinate the chicken in a mix of five spice powder, ginger, garlic, light soy sauce, and honey. Then, pop into the oven and roast until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

Fíve Spice Roasted Drumsticks 

22. Citrus and Thyme Drumsticks 

Tangy and herby flavors really take these drumsticks to a whole new flavor level! Whisk together blood orange juice and zest, thyme, spices, and oil and marinate the chicken in this. Place in baking dish with orange slices and then bake, broiling at the end for a bit of crispiness! 

Get the recipe here

Citrus and Thyme Drumsticks 

23. Ginger and Lemon Drumsticks 

If you like zesty and earthy flavors then this is a dish that you really need to try out! Season the drumsticks and then grill until nearly done. In the meantime, mix together lemon juice and zest, grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. Transfer the drumsticks to a pan, pour over the sauce, and simmer for a while until flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

Ginger and Lemon Drumsticks 

24. Baked Cilantro Lime Drumsticks 

This recipe just tastes like summer and is perfect for a bright and fun meal! Marinate the chicken in chopped cilantro, lime juice and zest, garlic, oil, and spices. Then, pour the chicken and the marinade into a baking dish and cook until tender! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Cilantro Lime Drumsticks 

25. Grilled Chili Lime Drumsticks 

This is another recipe that is refreshing and so good! Toss the chicken in a mix of lime juice, chili powder, honey, garlic, and oil. Then, grill until cooked through, making sure to baste with the marinade as the drumsticks grill! 

Get the recipe here

Grilled Chili Lime Drumsticks 

26. Spiced Drumsticks with Yogurt Ranch 

Crispy, perfectly spiced, and served with a rather healthy dipping sauce, these drumsticks are great for when you are in the mood for something a little more indulgent! Toss the drumsticks in the spices and then pop into the air fryer until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Top with Italian parsley and serve with a homemade yogurt ranch! 

Get the recipe here

Spiced Drumsticks with Yogurt Ranch 

27. Moroccan Harissa Grilled Drumsticks 

If you want to turn the flavor all the way up, these are the drumsticks to try out! Coat the chicken with a mix of cinnamon, cumin, and other spices before grilling. When the drumsticks are nearly done, baste with a harissa paste and grill until glazed. Rest and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Moroccan Harissa Grilled Drumsticks 

28. Baked Herb Drumsticks 

If you are on the lookout for fresh, bright flavors, then your search is over with this delicious recipe! Blend together parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and oil. Marinate the chicken in this mix and then bake until golden brown. Brush on more of the marinade and enjoy!

Get the recipe here

Baked Herb Drumsticks 

29. Honey Orange Slow Cooker Drumsticks 

The next time that you are feeling like takeout, this is the recipe you should make - it is delicious and good for you! Add the drumsticks to a crockpot and pour over a sauce made from orange juice and zest, reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, aromatics, vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer until tender and then reduce the sauce. Sprinkle over cilantro and sesame seeds and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Orange Slow Cooker Drumsticks 

30. Maple Dijon Crockpot Drumsticks

Here is another recipe that does sweet and tangy really well and with almost no fuss involved! Simply place the drumsticks in the slow cooker and add in a mix of maple syrup, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings. Then, slow cook until tender and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Maple Dijon Crockpot Drumsticks

Being healthy doesn't have to be boring, tasteless, or painful - there is another way! These healthy chicken drumstick recipes are all the proof you need that eating better can be really fun and delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start whipping up these recipes right away! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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