Authentic Mexican Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy dinner that’s full of bold and smoky Mexican flavors? This authentic Mexican chicken drumsticks recipe delivers a perfect blend of spices, a crispy golden skin, and juicy meat. It’s a no-fuss dish that’s ready in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal. With a mix of cumin, chipotle, and lime, every bite is packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or to impress guests!

Authentic Mexican Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Recipe by SoukaynaCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This authentic Mexican chicken drumsticks recipe brings together smoky chipotle, lime, and cumin to create the juiciest, most flavorful drumsticks. Perfect for an easy dinner!

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better.
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated.
Place the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with honey (if desired) for an extra touch of sweetness.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Baking Tip: If you want extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Spice Adjustments: For a spicier kick, increase the chipotle chili powder. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili powder.
Oven Variations: If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the drumsticks directly on the baking sheet. Just flip them halfway through cooking.

Tips for Perfect Authentic Mexican Chicken Drumsticks

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Space the drumsticks out on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and get that crispy skin.
Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for 1-2 hours before baking to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Test for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and the best texture.
Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder to match your spice preference. For a milder dish, use regular chili powder instead.

Recipe Variants

Honey Lime Chicken Drumsticks: For a sweeter touch, skip the chipotle and increase the honey for a more caramelized glaze.
Grilled Mexican Chicken Drumsticks: Take the same recipe and grill the drumsticks over medium-high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
Oven-Baked Mexican Chicken Thighs: Swap the drumsticks for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a different cut of meat, with a richer flavor.
Spicy Mexican Drumsticks with Salsa: Add a fresh salsa topping of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While drumsticks are ideal for this recipe, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or even chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times as boneless chicken cooks faster.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge and bake it the next day. You can also make extra and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of baking?

Yes, you can cook the seasoned drumsticks on low in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours. The result will be incredibly tender chicken, but without the crispy skin.

If you love flavorful, easy dinner ideas, try our easy dinner recipes like the Sausage and Potato Bake for another hearty, comforting dish perfect for the whole family.

This authentic Mexican chicken drumsticks recipe is the perfect combination of ease and bold flavors, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or any casual dinner gathering. With simple ingredients like lime, cumin, and chipotle, you get a delightful meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether served with rice, a salad, or a side of beans, this dish will soon become a family favorite.