There’s something so satisfying about chicken drumsticks baked until golden, juicy, and full of bold flavor.

These Thai chicken drumsticks are marinated with coconut milk, fish sauce, garlic, and spices, giving them a savory-sweet taste with just the right touch of heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The marinade is simple yet packed with classic Thai flavors.

The drumsticks bake up tender on the inside with a beautiful golden finish on the outside.

They pair perfectly with Thai sweet chili sauce for dipping.

It’s an easy recipe that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken drumsticks are the star—juicy and flavorful when baked.

Coconut milk adds creaminess and helps the marinade cling.

Fish sauce brings depth and authentic Thai savoriness.

Garlic and cilantro stems add a fresh, aromatic base.

Honey balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Marinate for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.

Pat the chicken dry before adding the marinade for better browning.

Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Thai Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1 – Prepare the marinade

Whisk together oil, fish sauce, coconut milk, honey, black pepper, cayenne, and turmeric until smooth.

Step 2 – Season the chicken

Add cilantro stems and garlic to the drumsticks. Rub well to coat.

Step 3 – Marinate the drumsticks

Pour marinade over chicken, mix to coat evenly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Step 4 – Bake to perfection

Arrange drumsticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, until cooked through.

Step 5 – Garnish and serve

Top with chopped cilantro and serve with Thai sweet chili sauce.

What to Serve Them With

Pair with jasmine rice or coconut rice.

Serve with a crisp cucumber salad for freshness.

Add Thai sweet chili dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap honey for palm sugar for a more traditional sweetness.

Add extra cayenne for more heat, or omit for a mild version.

Use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, turning often.

Do I need to marinate overnight?
No, 2 hours is enough, but overnight gives deeper flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce baking time so it doesn’t dry out.

What does fish sauce do?
It adds saltiness and umami that balance the sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just use coconut milk as written—it’s naturally dairy-free.

What dipping sauce works best?
Thai sweet chili sauce is classic, but peanut sauce is also great.

Final Thoughts

These Thai chicken drumsticks are flavorful, easy, and perfect for sharing.

With their golden finish and savory-sweet taste, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.