Sweet-Chilli Baked Chicken Drumsticks — Simple 5-Ingredient Recipe

If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that delivers big flavour with minimal effort, these Sweet-Chilli Baked Chicken Drumsticks are exactly what you need. Sticky, slightly spicy, and beautifully caramelised in the oven, they’re the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster. Best of all, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make it happen.

This is one of those reliable family recipes that works for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even casual entertaining. The oven does most of the work while the sweet chilli and Sriracha create a glossy, irresistible coating. Serve them straight from the dish with your favourite sides and watch them disappear.

Recipes like this are what Everyday Family Meals is all about — simple cooking that doesn’t feel like a chore and ingredients you can find in any supermarket. There’s no complicated prep, no fancy equipment, and no long list of steps to follow. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a comforting meal that tastes like you spent far more time on it than you actually did.

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is how short and practical the ingredient list is. Each item plays an important role: the sweet chilli sauce brings sweetness and stickiness, the Sriracha adds warmth and depth, and the olive oil helps everything coat the chicken evenly as it roasts. Fresh coriander at the end lifts the flavours and adds a pop of colour.

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup sweet chilli sauce
• ½ cup Sriracha sauce (a chilli sauce similar to Tabasco, but thicker)
• Enough salt to season the chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

This method couldn’t be simpler, which makes it perfect for days when you want something homemade without spending ages in the kitchen. Mixing everything directly in the baking dish saves on washing up and allows the chicken to soak up all those bold flavours while it cooks. As the drumsticks bake, the sauce thickens and caramelises into a rich, glossy coating.

1. Place all the ingredients, except the coriander, into an ovenproof dish.
2. Mix everything well using your hands.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (374°F) for 30–40 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve.

Tips

• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the Sriracha slightly and add a little extra sweet chilli sauce.
• For extra caramelisation, spoon some of the sauce over the drumsticks halfway through baking.
• Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer so it cooks evenly and develops colour.
• If you like crispier skin, place the dish under the grill (broiler) for the last 2–3 minutes.
• This recipe also works well with chicken thighs or wings — just adjust cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestion

Serve these sticky drumsticks hot from the oven with fluffy white rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness and spice. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top adds brightness, while extra chopped coriander brings a fresh finish. They also pair beautifully with warm flatbread to soak up the sauce, making this an easy meal that feels both comforting and satisfying.

If you’re feeding a crowd, place the drumsticks on a large platter in the centre of the table and let everyone help themselves. Add a bowl of crisp salad or steamed vegetables on the side to round out the meal. Leftovers, if you have any, are just as delicious the next day and can even be packed into lunchboxes or wraps.

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