Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw in 45 Minutes

Name: Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw in 45 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 2 lemons (juiced and zested); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped); 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped); Salt and pepper (to taste); 4 cups shredded cabbage; 1 carrot (grated); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp honey

Author: lia

Published: November 13, 2025

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There’s something magical about lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it never fails to impress. The bright, zesty flavors of the lemon and herbs pair perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken, while the fresh slaw adds a crisp, refreshing crunch. It’s healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

Let me tell you why this lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw recipe is about to become your new favorite:

Quick and easy – From prep to plate in under an hour, perfect for busy nights
Bursting with flavor – The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs make ordinary drumsticks extraordinary
Healthy yet satisfying – Lean protein meets fresh veggies in the perfect balance
Versatile – Works equally well for casual dinners or backyard barbecues
Crowd-pleaser – Kids and adults both go crazy for this flavorful combo

The best part? You probably have most ingredients already waiting in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these incredible lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 chicken drumsticks – look for plump ones with even coloring
2 lemons – we’ll use both the juice and zest for maximum flavor
3 tbsp olive oil – extra virgin gives the best taste
2 garlic cloves, minced – fresh is always better than pre-minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped – those little leaves pack a punch
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped – woody stems removed
Salt and pepper – to taste (I’m generous with both)
4 cups shredded cabbage – I like a mix of green and purple
1 carrot, grated – medium-sized, peeled first
1/4 cup mayonnaise – or Greek yogurt if you prefer
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – adds the perfect tang
1 tsp honey – just enough to balance the acidity

See? Nothing fancy – just fresh, simple ingredients that work magic together!

Equipment Needed for Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw recipe – just these trusty kitchen basics:

Baking tray – A sturdy rimmed one to catch those delicious juices
Mixing bowls – One large for chicken, one medium for slaw
Measuring spoons – For perfect herb and oil ratios
Citrus juicer/zester – My little handheld one works great
Chef’s knife – For prepping herbs and garlic
Whisk – To blend that slaw dressing smoothly

That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.

How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

Now for the fun part – bringing these lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw to life! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Preparing the Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks

First things first – crank that oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Oh, that smell already! That’s the sound of deliciousness coming.

Now take your chicken drumsticks and give them a good massage in this lemony herb bath. Really work that flavor into every nook and cranny! Arrange them on your baking tray – I like to leave a little space between each one so they crisp up evenly.

Pop them in the oven and set your timer for 20 minutes. When it dings, flip those beauties over – this is the secret to getting that perfect golden color all around. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). Trust me, resisting the urge to eat them right off the tray will be your biggest challenge!

Making the Fresh Slaw

While your chicken’s working its magic in the oven, let’s whip up that fresh slaw. Simply toss your shredded cabbage and grated carrot together in a bowl. In another small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you’re going that route), apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.

Now pour that dressing over your veggies and mix it all together until everything’s nicely coated. Taste it – need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar. Want it sweeter? A tiny bit more honey. This is your slaw, make it your own!

Serving Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

When everything’s ready, plate up those gorgeous golden drumsticks with a generous scoop of slaw on the side. I love adding lemon wedges for squeezing extra zing over the top. It’s perfect as is, but some crusty bread or roasted potatoes would make it a complete feast!

Tips for Perfect Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

After making lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw dozens of times, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

Marinate longer – If you’ve got time, let the chicken soak in that lemony goodness for 1-2 hours (even overnight!). The flavors penetrate deeper.
Dry skin equals crispiness – Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels before marinating for that perfect golden crust.
Greek yogurt swap – For a lighter slaw, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt – it adds tang and protein!
Cabbage trick – Massage shredded cabbage with a pinch of salt first to soften it slightly.
Herb freshness matters – Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh rosemary and thyme make all the difference.

These little tweaks take lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw from good to “wow!” every time.

Variations for Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

One of my favorite things about lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw is how easily you can mix it up! Try swapping rosemary for oregano or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat. For the slaw, toss in thinly sliced apples or swap cabbage for kale massaged with lemon juice. Feeling adventurous? Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the chicken marinade – it creates this incredible tangy crust that’ll make you swoon!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

Leftover lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw? Lucky you! Store them separately in airtight containers – the chicken keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge, while the slaw stays crisp for about 2 days. To reheat, pop the drumsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The slaw tastes best cold, so just give it a quick stir before serving. Freezing? The chicken does well for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge), but I’d skip freezing the slaw – it gets too watery.

Nutritional Information for Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional value of lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw (per serving of 2 drumsticks with slaw):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 400mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands or substitutions. For exact nutritional info, use a calculator with your specific ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

I get asked about this lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw recipe all the time! Here are the questions that pop up most often:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully with this marinade – just adjust cooking time to about 30-35 minutes. The skin gets extra crispy, which I personally love.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes works in a pinch, I recommend at least 2 hours for maximum flavor. Overnight is even better – the lemon and herbs really soak in!

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but it’ll still taste delicious.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake the drumsticks up to 2 hours before serving and keep them warm in the oven. Make the slaw fresh though – it gets soggy if prepped too early.

Is there a dairy-free slaw option?
Try using avocado oil mayo or just olive oil with extra vinegar and honey. The slaw stays crisp and tangy without dairy!

Share Your Experience with Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Slaw

I’d love to hear how your lemon herb chicken drumsticks with slaw turned out! Did you add any special twists? Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. This recipe’s brought so much joy to my table, and I hope it does the same for yours!