Description
This Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic recipe is a simple yet flavor-packed dish. The marinade combines Mediterranean staples like lemon, garlic, and oregano, resulting in juicy, tender chicken drumsticks with a delightful zest. The secret lies in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with deep flavors.
Ingredients
10 to 12 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
Kosher salt
1 tbsp dry oregano
1 tbsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp coriander
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1 head garlic (about 12 cloves), peeled and chopped
1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
Zest and juice of 2 lemons + 1 lemon sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (preferably Greek olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt, making sure to season under the skin as well. If you have the time, let the chicken rest uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to help crisp the skin.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, black pepper, coriander, paprika, and cumin. Add the spice mixture to the bag with the chicken. Then, add the garlic, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Seal the bag and toss the chicken around to coat it well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours for better flavor).
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in the dish, along with the onions and marinade. Place lemon slices in between the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer). For extra crispy skin, broil for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Notes
- Add vegetables: You can toss in vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers with the chicken and bake them together for a complete meal.
- Herb variations: Swap out the oregano for thyme or rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade or use spicy paprika.
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
