Keto Chicken Drumsticks are a family-friendly favorite that I turn to again and again! The zingy marinade has just a handful of ingredients and delivers moist and flavorful chicken every time. Serve this with Keto Coleslaw or Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for a delicious meal that is so satisfying.
Keeping dinner simple is so important to stick to our low-carb way of life.
That means choosing meals that the whole family will enjoy, rather than trying to make one meal for yourself and another for the family.
These easy keto chicken drumsticks are the perfect start to an easy dinner that will keep the whole family happy!
Serve this with cauliflower couscous salad, air fryer cauliflower, or air fryer green beans.
Ingredient Notes
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Cook the chicken in any keto-friendly oil that can handle high heat.
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and are a soy-free alternative to soy sauce that’s popular in keto and paleo cooking.
Dijon mustard adds tang, though grainy brown mustard works just as well.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure you flip halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- When cooking chicken legs, use a meat thermometer to determine doneness.
Tools Needed
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You will need either an Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi Grill, or a parchment-lined baking sheet. An instant-read thermometer is also recommended.
How to Make Keto Chicken Drumsticks
Start by marinating the chicken in avocado oil, coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
Just an hour will make a difference, but if you have time overnight gives a full flavor.
Drain the chicken.
Air Fryer Keto Chicken Legs
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 10 minutes.
Flip the chicken, and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° F.
Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Ninja Foodi Grill Chicken Drumsticks
Preheat your grill to grill-medium and set the timer for 15 minutes.
Add the chicken in a single layer to the grill - don’t overcrowd!
Cook, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature is 160° F.
Allow to rest and then serve.
Keto Baked Drumsticks
Start by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place a rack on top of the baking sheet.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow the chicken to rest on a cooling rack before serving.
Marinated Keto Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken legs
- ½ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish or large zip-top bag.
- Combine the avocado oil, coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
- Pour over the chicken and coat the chicken. Let it marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the chicken from the marinade.
Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature is 160° F.
- Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Ninja Foodi Grill
- Set your Ninja Grill to GRILL MEDIUM. Set the timer to 15 minutes.
- When it is preheated, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook, flipping halfway though until the internal temperature is 160° F
- Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 420° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a rack on it.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the rack.
- Cook the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature is 160° F.
David Touchet says
These are great but cook your chicken leg to an internal temp of 180f. This will break down some of the connective tissue and it will be a more flavorful drumstick.
Donna Jackman says
Thiis is the BEST chicken recipe I have ever tasted! You have to try it!!!! My husband does not really care for chicken, but he said this is an absolute keeper!
Wendy Polisi says
Yay! I am glad that you liked it.
Steve says
Don't bother with good dijon - no mustard has any flavor after baking - it's just there to adhere the other ingredients.
Some ppl use a little oil. Other just use a light spray of water.
Jennifer V says
I found this recipe to be pretty good. I marinated for 6 hours, following the recipe but adding grated ginger and 1 clove of minced garlic. I air fried in my Ninja Foodi at 400 for 20 minutes. These were done to perfection. They still needed something more, not sure. Thanks for the idea!