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Peruvian Drumsticks

 Oven-baked Peruvian drumsticks are great for those looking to spice up their dinner routine, and the spiced drumsticks are ready in just 30 minutes! 

Peruvian drumsticks on a plate.

Oven baked drumsticks are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of vinegar and spices infuses the drumsticks with an irresistible flavor.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: This recipe is for chicken drumsticks, but use leg quarters, thighs, drumsticks, or a combination if that’s what you have on hand; be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (73°C). I also have a recipe for Peruvian chicken that includes instructions for roasting a whole spatchcocked chicken with Peruvian spices to feed a crowd.
  • Peruvian Chicken Marinade: Flavor the drumsticks with ground cumin, smoky paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh garlic, distilled white vinegar, and olive oil.

How to Make Peruvian Drumsticks

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Chicken legs in a bowl.

Step 1: Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, and set them aside.

Marinated drumsticks in a bowl.

Step 2: Mix cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, minced garlic, vinegar, and oil in a small bowl. Pour it over the drumsticks and toss to coat thoroughly.

Drumsticks baking in the oven.

Step 3: Arrange the drumsticks onto the wire rack and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Baked drumsticks on a wire rack.

Step 4: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and set them aside to rest for 5-10 minutes.

Peruvian drumsticks on a plate.

Expert Tips

  • Achieve crispy, golden-brown skin on your drumsticks by drying them thoroughly with a cloth before seasoning and baking them. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, which can prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
  • Insert your food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

If you enjoy the meal, try one of these oven-baked recipes!  

Peruvian drumsticks on a plate.

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I alter the recipe if I am roasting a whole chicken?

Use the same marinade, but increase the cooking time since you’re roasting a whole chicken. Here is my recipe for whole, Peruvian chicken.

More Dinner Recipes:

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how it turned out for you by leaving a comment and rating below. And if you’re looking for more tasty international recipes for everyday cooking, sign up to get them delivered straight to your inbox.

Peruvian drumsticks on a plate.

Peruvian Drumsticks

Tressa Jamil
These easy oven-baked Peruvian drumsticks will be your new favorite weeknight meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Peruvian
Servings 5 Servings
Calories 361 kcal
Ingredients
  
Instructions
 
  • Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel, and set them aside.
  • Mix cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, minced garlic, vinegar, and oil in a small bowl. Pour it over the drumsticks and toss to coat thoroughly.
  • Arrange the drumsticks onto the wire rack and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the drumsticks from the oven and set them aside to rest for 5-10 minutes.
Notes
Adapted From:
You’ll find the original recipe and inspiration for this post in Kenji Lopez-Alt’s book, The Food Lab. 
Expert Tips:
  • Achieve crispy, golden-brown skin on your drumsticks by drying them thoroughly with a cloth before seasoning and baking them. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, which can prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
  • Insert your food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken drumstick. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 361 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 168 mg | Sodium: 2057 mg | Potassium: 526 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Vitamin A: 1494 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 54 mg | Iron: 3 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Sarah

Friday 26th of May 2023

These drumsticks are a flavor explosion! The Peruvian spices added a unique and delicious twist to a classic dish. Plus, they were so easy to make, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. I'll be making these again and again. Thanks for the fantastic recipe!

Liam Thompson

Friday 26th of May 2023

Wow, these Peruvian-spiced drumsticks blew me away! The marinade was incredibly flavorful, and the drumsticks turned out juicy and tender. This recipe has definitely become a family favorite. Thank you for sharing this delicious dish!

Matt W.

Tuesday 12th of July 2022

Dinner win for my family! The seasoning was a perfect blend of zest and smokiness; very simple to follow recipe and is now a regular meal for the fam.

Tressa Jamil

Tuesday 12th of July 2022

That's exactly what I love to hear; thanks for giving it a try and making it a part of your dinner rotation.