Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Dill

Roasted Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, full of flavor and a family favorite. Marinated with dill, vinegar, salt and pepper then cooked to perfection. 

When it comes to herbs, one of my absolute favorites to use in the kitchen is dill. Once summer comes around, in one way or another, dill makes its way into our meals at least a couple times a week. You can use it to make homemade ranch dip, and of course refrigerated dill pickles. Dill just pairs well with so many different things, especially chicken.

For this recipe, the chicken drumsticks are marinated in a quick marinade of olive oil, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, salt and fresh cracked pepper. Next they are roasted in the oven until the skin is golden brown and crispy.  The smell coming from the kitchen is sure to be almost as good as the first juicy bite.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Roasted Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients:

• CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS: When it comes to chicken, drumsticks reign supreme in our house. They are always so tender, easy to eat and quick to cook. You could substitute bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe or chicken breasts but you would need to adjust the cooking time. 
• OLIVE OIL 
• FRESH DILL: Dill is the star of the show here and is going to give you great bright flavor. If you don’t have or can’t find fresh dill, you can use dried dill weed. 1 teaspoon dried dill = 1 tablespoon fresh. 
• RED WINE VINEGAR: Vinegar helps tenderize chicken as well as give it flavor. I prefer red wine vinegar in this recipe but you can use distilled white or white wine as well. 
• SALT
• PEPPER
• GRANULATED GALRIC

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

These Roasted Chicken Drumsticks do need to be marinated for at least two hours for the best flavor so keep that in mind when planning. You could start the marinade in the morning and cook the chicken after work as well. I would not marinate the chicken more than 24 hours. 

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• STEP #1: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, dill and granulated garlic. 
• STEP #2: Pat dry the chicken and place non-reactive container (like a plastic bowl, glass bowl or resealable plastic bag). Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks. Use clean hands to toss the chicken in the marinade being sure the chicken is completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. 
• STEP #3: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet (or other baking dish) that is big enough to give the chicken space around to cook. Place chicken in a single layer and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cook 30 – 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted reaches 160 degrees F. To get the chicken extra brown, turn on the broiler for 1 – 2 minutes. 
• STEP #4: Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with more fresh dil if desired. Serve. 

Storage and Leftovers:

Keep any leftover chicken in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days. Delicious warmed or cold! 

Recipe FAQ: 

If you loved the use of dill in this Roasted Chicken Drumsticks recipe, you’ve got to try my other recipes featuring this herb.

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings have been one of my most popular posts for years! For good reason, they are absolutely delectable!

These Dill Green Beans are one of my favorite vegetable sides to make in the summer!

Creamy Dill Chicken Salad is perfect for lunch!

Note: Originally published in 2009. Updated in 2024 with an improved recipe, new photos, step by step photos and nutrition information.