If you’ve been searching for a delicious, no-fuss chicken recipe that feels like a warm hug from home, look no further. Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe brings together juicy, tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin with a simple marinade that’s packed with personality. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a family favorite, loaded with that savory magic only a well-loved recipe can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is half the fun and the secret to how scrumptious this recipe tastes. Each element plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and crispiness that makes these drumsticks irresistible.
- Chicken drumsticks, 4 1/2 to 5 lbs: The star of the show, these provide juicy meat and crispy skin when baked just right.
- Medium yellow onion (pureed): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, blending seamlessly into the marinade for tenderizing the chicken.
- Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp: Helps lock in moisture and gives the skin a velvety texture and golden finish during baking.
- Black pepper, 1 tsp: Provides a gentle kick and earthy warmth, complementing the other spices without overpowering.
- Salt, 1 tbsp: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Optional: Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce, 1-2 tbsp: For those who love a bit of heat and tang, this sauce adds an exciting twist to the marinade.
How to Make Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the pureed onion, mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and the hot sauce if you’re using it in a small bowl. This marinade is a flavor powerhouse that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a deliciously subtle tang and spice. The mayonnaise plays a brilliant role here, keeping each drumstick moist through baking.
Step 2: Marinate the Drumsticks
Place your chicken drumsticks into a large mixing bowl or soup pot, then pour the marinade over them. Toss everything well to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, but for the best flavor and tenderness, leaving them overnight is a game changer. This step makes sure the flavors really sink into the meat, making every bite a delight.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the drumsticks skin-side up and pop them in the oven at 400°F. Bake for 45 minutes, then flip them so the skin is down and bake for another 15 minutes. For that extra crispy, golden skin that will make you swoon, turn the drumsticks over once more and broil them for about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh burst of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory drumsticks. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a zesty squeeze that elevates the flavors and livens up the plate.
Side Dishes
These drumsticks pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all those tasty juices. For a lighter touch, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad bring balance and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the drumsticks on a colorful platter lined with banana leaves or rustic parchment for a vibrant, homey vibe. You can also stack them in a basket with some parchment paper for a casual, finger-food style dinner that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your drumsticks, cool any leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well and actually tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash freeze the cooked drumsticks on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months, giving you a quick, tasty meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps preserve the crispy skin better than the microwave. Alternatively, a quick broil for a couple of minutes can revive that perfect crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, offering juicy meat and a slightly different texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
Is it okay to skip the mayonnaise in the marinade?
While mayonnaise helps create that moist, delicious texture and golden skin, you can omit it if you prefer. The chicken will still be tasty, but the skin might not brown quite the same way.
How spicy is the Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce?
This sauce adds a pleasant, medium-level heat with a sweet and tangy profile. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just one tablespoon or leave it out entirely—Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is still wonderful without it!
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 6 hours?
Yes, but the flavors will be less pronounced, and the chicken might not be as tender. If you’re short on time, even 1-2 hours will add some flavor, but for maximum deliciousness, overnight marinating is best.
What if I don’t have a broiler for the final step?
No worries! Just bake the drumsticks a bit longer at 400°F until the skin crisps up to your liking. You can also increase the temperature to 425°F for the last 10 minutes, watching them carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into perfectly baked, flavorful drumsticks that remind you of home. I hope this recipe inspires you to make Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe a go-to in your kitchen. It’s a heartfelt dish that brings comfort and joy to the table every single time. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite family meals too!
Print
Mom’s Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 14 drumsticks
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Mom’s Chicken Drumsticks features tender and flavorful drumsticks marinated in a simple mixture of onion puree, mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and optional hot sauce. After marinating overnight, the drumsticks are baked to perfection with a final broil to achieve crispy, golden skin. It’s a classic, easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
- 4 1/2 to 5 lbs (1 large pack) chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 1 medium yellow onion (pureed)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp salt
- Optional: 1 to 2 Tbsp Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the onion puree, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce if you want some spice. Stir well to create a uniform marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks into a large mixing bowl or soup pot. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat all the drumsticks evenly. Cover the bowl or pot with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Bake Drumsticks: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF (204ËšC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the marinated drumsticks skin-side-up on the sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, turn the drumsticks skin-side-down and bake for an additional 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, turn the drumsticks skin-side-up again and broil for 3 minutes or until the skin is nicely browned and crisp. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Marinating overnight is recommended for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- If you prefer less spicy, omit the hot sauce.
- Using parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easier.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ËšF (74ËšC) for safe consumption.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven, so watch carefully to avoid burning the skin.
