Name: 5‑Ingredient Chili Lime Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tbsp lime zest (from about 2 limes); 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt

Why You’ll Love 5‑Ingredient Chili Lime Drumsticks Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy and uses just a few pantry staples to create bold flavor. You can make it on the grill or in the oven, and the marinade’s sweet‑tart balance makes the chicken deliciously succulent. It’s great for family dinners and meal prepping because it’s simple but satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
10 fresh chicken drumsticks (legs)
¼ cup lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust heat to taste)
1–2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons oil

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, honey, and oil to make the marinade.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zipper‑closure bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken.
To grill: Preheat and oil the grill. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook, turning and basting with any leftover marinade, until the chicken reaches about 185°F inside.
To bake: Sear the drumsticks in an oven‑safe skillet on the stove top for 3–5 minutes per side. Add any remaining marinade to the pan and transfer it to a 375°F oven for 30–35 minutes, or until cooked through.
Serve with extra lime slices if you like.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 servings.
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~40 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to increase the heat.
Citrus Twist: Use a mix of lime and orange juice for a slightly sweeter, brighter flavor.
Herbed: Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley after cooking for freshness.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave on medium power, covered, for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate for at least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours in the fridge will deepen the flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Chicken thighs can be substituted and will be equally flavorful.

Do I need to peel the garlic?

Yes, mince the peeled garlic to mix well into the marinade.

What grill temperature should I use?

Medium‑high heat works well for grilling these drumsticks.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, arrange drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes, it’s gluten‑free as written.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely — mix the marinade and keep it in the fridge up to a day before using.

Should I baste the chicken while grilling?

Basting helps lock in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety, though the original recipe suggests a finish around 185°F.

Can I omit the honey?

Yes, but honey adds a nice balance to the lime and chili. You could substitute a little brown sugar.

Conclusion

These 5‑Ingredient Chili Lime Drumsticks are a wonderfully easy and flavorful chicken dish that everyone can enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients and flexible cooking methods, this recipe is perfect for dinners any night of the week.