Description
Succulent chicken drumsticks with herb-infused marinade deliver maximum flavor in this simple meal. Mediterranean-inspired seasoning creates juicy, tender results with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs/1 kg)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Setup: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C). Construct a strategic cooking platform by layering a baking sheet with aluminum foil and positioning a wire rack for optimal air circulation and crispy skin development.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat drumsticks completely dry using paper towels, eliminating moisture barriers. Transfer to a spacious mixing bowl, ready for flavor transformation.
- Seasoning Ritual: Drizzle olive oil across drumsticks, creating a lustrous base. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chili powder into a potent spice blend. Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly, ensuring each drumstick is comprehensively coated with the flavor-enhancing combination.
- Roasting Process: Arrange seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, maintaining strategic spacing for uniform heat distribution. Slide into the preheated oven, roasting for 35-40 minutes. Midcycle, rotate drumsticks to guarantee consistent caramelization and confirm internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serving Finale: Remove drumsticks from oven and allow a 5-minute resting period for juice redistribution. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with zesty lemon wedges, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed culinary presentation.
Notes
- Maximize Chicken Crispiness: Pat drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior that locks in flavor and creates a delightful crunch.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Space drumsticks evenly on the wire rack to allow optimal air circulation, guaranteeing uniform cooking and preventing soggy spots.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F, eliminating any risk of undercooked chicken while maintaining juicy meat.
- Flavor Customization: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or herb-infused seasonings to transform the basic recipe into a versatile dish that suits various taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg