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With just 4 simple ingredients, these jerk chicken drumsticks are one meal that comes together fast, can be prepped ahead, and let the oven do the rest.
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven
Baking is a terrific cooking method for jerk chicken, as it always yields juicy chicken drumsticks and thighs. Plus, as the chicken cooks, the seasoning drips little by little into the juices that form in the pan, giving the finished dish an even better taste.
One of the most recognizable aspects of jerk chicken is the crisp, charred skin from the honey and seasoning combination that tends to brown under an open flame. The great news is that cooking jerk chicken in the oven will also give you that toasty skin you're looking for!
Ingredients
You only need four ingredients to make this recipe: bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks, store-bought or homemade jerk seasoning, honey, and olive oil to help crisp up the skin.
How to Bake Jerk Chicken
Below is how you'll turn ordinary drumsticks into sweet and smoky jerk chicken drumsticks:
- While the oven preheats, line a baking sheet, and whisk oil, honey, and jerk seasoning in a small bowl.
- Baste the drumsticks with the sauce.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175F, remove the pan from the oven.
- Allow the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs
While cooking chicken by internal temperature is the best method, the charts below have various baking temperatures and times for bone-in, skin-on chicken legs.
| Oven Temp | Average Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 350F (175C) | 1 hour | 175F (80C) |
| 375F (190C) | 40 to 45 mins | 175F (80C) |
| 400F (200C) | 35 to 40 mins | 175F (80C) |
| 425F (218C) | 35 mins | 175F (80C) |
Keeping Baked Jerk Chicken Juicy
It's nearly impossible to dry drumsticks and chicken thighs when baked since they roast in their juices. That said, you can always cover the baking sheet with foil during the last 10 minutes once your chicken drumsticks are toasty browned. Keeping the chicken covered can also trap heat and steam, keeping the juices in the chicken and on the baking sheet.
What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
The best part about this recipe is that it pairs great with so many terrific side dishes! You’ll love it with Brussels sprouts salad, coconut cauliflower rice, or a simple side salad.
Baked Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons Jerk seasoning
- 8 drumsticks, skin on
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet or baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Don't skimp on the lining because the honey caramelizes during baking. trust me, you'll thank me at cleanup time.
- In a small bowl, combine the oil, honey, and jerk seasoning.
Season:
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or tray. With a spoon, spoon half of the sauce over the chicken pieces. Sometimes I place the drumsticks in a big bowl and toss them in half of the seasoning paste to coat them well, I keep a little less than half to baste them halfway through. Both methods work well.
Bake:
- Bake drumsticks for 35 to 40 minutes, making sure to flip the chicken with tongs halfway through cooking and baste or spoon the remaining jerk sauce over the top.
- Around minute 30, check that the honey coating isn’t too dark. If it is, make a tent over the tray with foil to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when the meat's internal temperature is at 175F.
Elizabeth F says
Your juicy baked jerk chicken looks very tasty and juicy. I love using the jerk mix on seafood and other dishes but this one is the best option. Great photos too.
Angela Campos says
These baked spicy drumsticks turned out, so amazing! The entire family, I love them, looking forward to making them again!!
LisaLisa says
I’m going to try this recipe; I love finding new ways to make chicken and this one I think the entire family will enjoy. They look so juicy and tasty, I see you say leave skin on, I cook mine with skin off will that not work.
jerry godinho says
I love how this recipe brings bold jerk flavors into an easy oven-baked format that feels approachable for home cooks. Your tips for keeping the drumsticks juicy while still getting that beautifully caramelized exterior are especially helpful. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma and turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable.
Laura Fuentes says
thank you for sharing how much you enjoyed these!
Beth says
Yum! I made these last night for dinner, and I WILL be making them on the reg. Thank you!