Ah, the simple joy of biting into a drumstick! It’s like a mini-vacation for your taste buds, especially when it’s bathed in a tangy lemon-garlic-thyme marinade. I remember trying this recipe one rainy Wednesday evening, with the scent wafting through the kitchen—an unexpected aroma therapy session that turned an ordinary dinner into a delightful feast.
Steps
- Combine chicken drumsticks, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and dried thyme in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the mixture, then cover or seal and refrigerate to marinate for 1 to 12 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) when you’re ready to cook. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, place them in a greased baking dish, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake the drumsticks for 45-55 minutes, or until the juices run clear. For enhanced flavor, brush the drumsticks with leftover marinade about 20 minutes into the baking process. Serve hot.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks (approximately 1.5 lbs.), rinsed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of one lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon zest, 2 tablespoons juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme in this recipe. Generally, you can use about three times the amount of fresh thyme as dried thyme. So, for this recipe, you would need approximately 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme.
- How long should the drumsticks marinate for best results?
- The drumsticks should be marinated for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors. However, for best results, you can marinate them for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
- What can I serve alongside these lemon, garlic, and thyme drumsticks?
- These drumsticks pair well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve them with rice, orzo pasta, roasted vegetables, baked or roasted potatoes, a fresh side salad, or even a selection of fresh fruit to complete the meal.
- Can I use another cut of chicken instead of drumsticks?
- While this recipe is designed for drumsticks due to their flavorful dark meat, you can certainly try it with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or wings. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different cuts.
- Is it necessary to brush the drumsticks with additional marinade during baking?
- Brushing the drumsticks with extra marinade about 20 minutes into baking is optional, but it can enhance the flavor and keep the chicken moist. If you choose to do so, make sure to use marinade that has been separated from the raw chicken to ensure food safety.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but ideally up to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- To ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior, place the drumsticks on a wire rack above the baking dish. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken.
- Halfway through baking, brush the drumsticks with additional marinade to enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
- Pair these drumsticks with budget-friendly sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to complete your meal without breaking the bank.
Equipment
- Zester (for zesting the lemon)
- Large mixing bowl or Ziplock bags (for marinating the chicken)
- Baking dish (if not already owned)
