Description
These Lemon Pepper Drumsticks are a zesty and flavorful dish, marinated in a blend of lemon, spices, and herbs, then baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, they are juicy, easy to make, and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, thyme, and paprika.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Place the drumsticks in the bowl with the marinade and coat each drumstick thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the drumsticks to a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve the drumsticks on a platter, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of extra lemon juice if desired.
- Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or rice.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- If short on time, marinating can be skipped, but it’s recommended for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes