Whole30 Tandoori Chicken Drumstick

Experience vibrant, spice-infused flavors with this Whole30 Tandoori Chicken Drumstick recipe, a healthy twist on the classic Indian dish. These perfectly baked drumsticks are marinated in a luscious blend of creamy coconut milk, fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, grated ginger, and an array of warming spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric. With minimal prep, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken with a beautifully charred and crispy exterior—all without the need for a tandoor. Perfect for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing dinner, these drumsticks are gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely Whole30-compliant. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a bright and zesty finish that complements the bold, smoky flavor. Best served with a side of crisp roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup Coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves Minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and all the dry spices (paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, sea salt, black pepper). Mix well to create a smooth marinade.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, make two to three shallow slashes on each chicken drumstick. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Step 3

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.

Step 6

Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is lightly charred and crispy.

Step 7

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1183.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2043.9

Total Fat 134.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 5505.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 186.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 247.3mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2976.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.3%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 7.2%