If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful chicken dinner with a kick of heat, this Spicy Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is for you. The drumsticks are marinated in a delicious mix of garlic, paprika, cayenne, ginger, lemon juice and soy sauce — then baked to crispy perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro (dania).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep: Only 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Big flavors: A balanced mix of heat, zest, and herby freshness.
- Versatile: Use chicken thighs if preferred.
- Healthy: Oven-baked with minimal oil.
Spicy Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients & Why They Matter
1. Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that adds a mellow, slightly sweet garlic flavor without the pungency of fresh garlic. It blends smoothly into marinades, giving your chicken a deep, savory base note.
2. Paprika: This vibrant red spice adds mild warmth and a beautiful color to your chicken. Depending on the type, it can be sweet, smoky, or spicy — we’re using regular paprika for a balanced, earthy flavor.
3. Cayenne Pepper: The heat maker in this recipe! Cayenne pepper brings a bold kick without overpowering the other spices. Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
4. Ginger Powder: Adds a warm, slightly peppery note and subtle sweetness. Ginger also pairs beautifully with garlic, giving your marinade a rounded depth of flavor.
5. Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, balancing the heat and richness with its acidity. It also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
6. Soy Sauce: This umami-rich ingredient adds saltiness and depth. It enhances the natural flavors of the chicken while helping the marinade cling to the meat.
7. Cooking Oil: Helps distribute the spices evenly over the chicken and promotes browning while baking. You can use neutral oils like vegetable oil.
8. Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of herby, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness of the spices. It also adds visual appeal when sprinkled over the finished dish.
9. Chicken Drumsticks: Flavorful, juicy, and affordable — drumsticks are perfect for absorbing marinades. Tip: Making small slits in the drumsticks helps the marinade penetrate deeper, infusing every bite with bold flavor. Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger powder, lemon juice, soy sauce, and cooking oil. (Should you want some sweetness, feel free to add in some brown sugar or honey). Whisk until well blended.
2. Prep the Drumsticks: Wash and pat the drumsticks dry.
Tip: Make 2-3 shallow slits on each drumstick. This allows the marinade to seep deeper into the meat, making them extra flavorful.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Line a baking tray with a baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
5. Brush & Broil for a Crispy Finish: After baking, remove the tray from the oven.
Brush the drumsticks with any remaining marinade, then place them under the oven broiler (or grill) for 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye — this step crisps up the skin and caramelizes the marinade for extra flavor and beautiful color.
6. Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with your favorite side — think Crispy Oven-Baked Potato Wedges, The best Fresh Avocado Tomato Salsa, or Sautéed Cabbage.
Helpful Tips
Meal prep: Marinate a big batch and freeze uncooked for a quick weeknight dinner.
Control the heat: Reduce cayenne for a milder version.
No drumsticks? Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe too.
Fresh is best: Use fresh lemon juice and cilantro for the brightest flavors.
Bonus Cooking Tip: For best results, marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for the deepest flavor. Always line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
SPICY SOY BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS RECIPE VIDEO
Here is a quick video showing how I made these easy and delicious Spicy Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks . You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more recipe videos, kitchen tips & hacks!
OTHER CHICKEN RECIPES INCLUDE:
- Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)
- Apple & Sage Kienyeji Chicken
- Garlic Butter Saucy Chicken Wings
- Baked Honey-Soy Chicken Thighs
- Rosemary Kienyenji Chicken Stew
- The Best Baked Chicken Thighs (easy, juicy & flavorful)
- One pot Cashew Cream Chicken Stew (loaded with vegetables)
- The Best Chicken & Veggies Stir Fry
- The Best Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
- Pineapple Chicken
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- Honey Dijon Chicken
- Honey Sesame Fried Chicken
The Best Spicy Soy Baked Chicken Drumsticks for Flavor Lovers
Ingredients
Method
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, ginger powder, lemon juice, soy sauce, and oil. Whisk well to combine.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat drumsticks dry and make 2-3 shallow slits on each to help the marinade seep in.
- Marinate: Add drumsticks to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking tray with a baking mat or parchment paper. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush & Broil: Remove from oven, brush drumsticks with remaining marinade, and broil/grill for 2-4 minutes until crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne to suit your heat preference.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of drumsticks.
- Always line your baking tray to prevent sticking.
- Don’t skip the broil — it adds gorgeous color and extra flavor!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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