Ranch Chicken Drumsticks are super easy and super tasty! These kid-approved ranch chicken legs are the perfect dinner solution on busy nights. This is an easy 4 ingredient meal that you will make over and over.
Suitable for Low Carb and Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
As parents, we all do our best to feed healthy meals to our family as often as we can. I love these Ranch chicken legs because they are healthy, but my kids don’t even realize it. That means they will eat them and won’t turn up their noses!
Like this Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken and all in one Sheet Pan Ranch Chicken and Veggies, Chicken drumsticks are packed with protein, full of flavor, and affordable, so this meal is a winner all around. And the real bonus is they cook in about 30 minutes so you can get dinner on the table, FAST!
Table of Contents
Weeknight Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
Friends, this Ranch chicken drumsticks recipe is just the thing for busy families!
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast – When you need a filling meal fast, these Ranch Chicken Drumsticks are on point.
- Budget-Friendly – Chicken drumsticks are generally less expensive than other cuts of chicken.
- Kid-Friendly – There’s just something about picking up a chicken leg that makes kids love this meal.
- Dietary-Friendly – Suitable for low carb and gluten free diets.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – This recipe is perfect for chicken legs (drumsticks) but will work with your favorite cut of chicken.
- Ranch Seasoning – Use one packet or 2 tablespoons from a larger container.
- Paprika – Adds lovely color and extra flavor to these ranch chicken legs.
- Oil – Use any light, neutral-flavored oil.
How To Make Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
- Place chicken drumsticks, oil, and seasonings in a bowl and mix until well coated.
- Lay the seasoned drumsticks in a baking dish or on a lined sheet pan.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- If desired, place under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read at least 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Tips For Success
- Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- If you use other cuts of chicken, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- If you like crispy skin, pop the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking.
Variations
- Add Heat – Turn up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture.
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese when the Ranch chicken drumsticks come out of the oven.
- Enjoy them cold – Make the night before, stash in the fridge and serve cold for lunch the next day.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy Chicken In Bulk – Stock up on family packs of chicken legs on sale and freeze for later use.
- Buy Ranch Seasoning In Bulk – If you love Ranch seasoning, buy it in a large container rather than individual packets. 2 tablespoons equal one packet.
- Save Leftovers – Pull the meat off any leftover chicken legs. Freeze it for use in other recipes.
- Make it a Meal – Serve with rice or potatoes and a vegetable, like these Smothered Green Beans, to make a complete meal.
Prep Ahead And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Mix and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Store – Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Marinate the chicken and freeze it before cooking for the best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Meal Prep
- Enjoy dinner and then eat the leftovers for 4 more days. Cold Ranch chicken legs are mighty tasty!
- Save any leftover chicken for use in other recipes
FAQs
Yes! Preheat the grill to 350F / 180C and cook the chicken legs for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes.
You sure can! Just remove the skin and the rest of the recipe will be the same.
More Recipes You May Like
- Baked Ranch Chicken.
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken.
- Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs.
- Baked Chicken Leg Quarters.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Get The Ranch Chicken Legs Recipe:
Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons (1 packet) Ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F / 200C.
- Place chicken drumsticks, oil, paprika, and Ranch seasoning in a bowl and mix until well coated.
- Lay the seasoned drumsticks in a baking dish or place on a lined sheet pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F / 74C.
- if desired, place under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Video
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours.
- If you use other cuts of chicken, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- If you like crispy skin, place them under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking.
- Storage – keep chicken legs in an airtight container or tightly wrapped inside the fridge for 4 days.
- There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Annette
Very good. Ranch gave the legs a different flavor. My family liked them and gave us another idea for evening or weekend meal.