Your whole family will love these oven-baked chicken drumsticks! Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, they’re the perfect crowd-pleaser. Plus, they bring the vibrant, delicious flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table.
Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a simple and delicious recipe your whole family will enjoy! These Mediterranean-inspired drumsticks are perfect for big-batch cooking and are stored well in the fridge, making them a practical choice for meal prep. Picture tender, juicy drumsticks with crispy, golden skin, seasoned with Turkish-inspired spices for a burst of flavor in every bite.
But wait—there’s more! Pair these succulent drumsticks with an exceptional yogurt-feta dipping sauce. The creamy tang of yogurt, savory feta, and refreshing citrus create a perfect match that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure. Ready to make these flavorful drumsticks? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Marinate seasoned drumsticks in the fridge for at least four hours to infuse the meat with Mediterranean spices, resulting in richly flavored chicken drumsticks celebrating Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Mediterranean Spice Blend
- Dry Oregano: Contributes robust and earthy flavors with hints of citrus and mild bitterness.
- Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and a delightful kick to the drumsticks.
- Cardamom: Introduces warm and aromatic essence with sweet undertones.
- Cumin: Lends a smoky, slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the marinade with earthy tones.
- Turmeric: Infuses the drumsticks with vibrant color and mildly bitter, earthy flavor. Offers antioxidant properties.
- Aleppo Pepper: Contributes fruity, moderately spicy flavor with nuanced undertones.
- Paprika: Provides mild, smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Yogurt: Tenderize the chicken while adding a creamy and tangy note to the marinade.
- Juice of 1 Lemon: Infuses a bright, citrusy freshness that complements the spices.
- Roasted Garlic: Offers a mellow, sweet, and aromatic profile to enhance the marinade’s complexity.
Making the Yogurt-Feta Dipping Sauce
Create a creamy and flavorful yogurt-feta dipping sauce that’s the perfect match for crispy, oven-baked chicken drumsticks. This sauce combines the tangy richness of Greek yogurt, the savory bite of feta cheese, and the bright, zesty notes of citrus.
In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh mint, dill, crumbled feta, lime juice, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a sprinkle of sumac for a burst of flavor.
Use this versatile sauce as a drizzle over the drumsticks’ crispy skin or as a dip for an extra layer of Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness.
Serving Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Elevate your meal with delightful Mediterranean sides that complement your oven-baked chicken drumsticks:
- Flavorful Dips: Enhance your drumsticks with creamy hummus or smoky baba ganoush, adding layers of taste to your chicken.
- Vibrant Side Salads: Opt for refreshing options like fattoush or classic Greek salad, brimming with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, olives, and creamy feta.
- Hearty Sides: Savor aromatic yellow lemon Greek rice or delicate vermicelli rice alongside oven-roasted veggies if you want heartier options.
- Creamy Comfort: Indulge in herb risotto infused with aromatic herbs and rich Parmesan to complement your oven-baked chicken drumsticks perfectly.
- These Mediterranean-inspired pairings offer diverse textures and aromas, ensuring a satisfying meal for all palates and making your chicken drumsticks irresistibly delightful.
Preparation
Clean and Prep the Chicken
Make the Mediterranean Marinade
Marinate the Chicken
Bake the Chicken Drumsticks
Serve and Enjoy

Yogurt-Feta Dipping Sauce
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a sprinkle of sumac for a bright, tangy kick.
Enjoy moist and flavorful Mediterranean oven-baked chicken drumsticks. Marinated in a blend of Turkish-inspired spices, yogurt, and roasted garlic, these drumsticks boast a crispy, seasoned skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
12 chicken drumsticks | |
½ cup yogurt | |
2 tablespoons red pepper paste | |
1 tablespoon dry oregano | |
½ teaspoon chili flakes | |
1 teaspoon ground cardamom | |
1 teaspoon cumin | |
1 teaspoon turmeric | |
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper | |
1 teaspoon sumac | |
1 teaspoon paprika | |
½ teaspoon black pepper | |
2 teaspoons salt | |
10 cloves roasted garlic minced ( please see my tip below) | |
Juice of 1 lemon | |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
Yogurt-feta Dipping Sauce
11/2 cups of Greek yogurt | |
1 clove garlic minced | |
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint | |
1 tablespoon dry dill | |
1/2 cup of feta cheese | |
juice of one lime and one lemon | |
salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Start by soaking the chicken drumsticks in a mixture of white vinegar and salt for a few minutes to help clean and tenderize. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, red pepper paste, dried oregano, chili flakes, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, Aleppo pepper, sumac, paprika, black pepper, salt, smashed roasted garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is fully blended into a smooth, flavorful marinade.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl of marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated drumsticks in a deep baking pan, spacing them out evenly for even cooking. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary, so be sure to check with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and serve hot. For the perfect Mediterranean touch, pair them with a refreshing yogurt-feta dipping sauce. Enjoy your tender, flavor-packed oven-baked chicken drumsticks!
In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, 1 tablespoon dried dill, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, and the juice of one lime and one lemon. Mix well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a sprinkle of sumac for a bright, tangy kick.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Recipe Note: Roasted Garlic Twist
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Did you try making the Mediterranean oven-baked chicken drumsticks? If so, did you use any particular spices or add unique ingredients? I would love to hear about your experience. Please feel free to leave a comment below.