Hello, my fellow chicken lovers! If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with fresh flavors, then you need to try these Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks. Imagine tender chicken drumsticks coated in a zesty lemon garlic marinade and roasted to golden perfection. It’s a meal that feels comforting yet exciting with every bite—definitely one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen pro.
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The best part? It’s super simple to make, but the flavor profile will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. These drumsticks are perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even when you’re just treating yourself to something delicious. Let’s get ready to enjoy the savory magic of lemon, garlic, and parsley all roasted up in the oven!
Why You’ll Love Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for an easy recipe that’s full of flavor and doesn’t take much time, then this is the one. Here’s why you’ll love these drumsticks:
Full of Flavor: The lemon, garlic, and parsley combo is classic for a reason. It’s fresh, vibrant, and the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
Crispy, Golden Skin: The beauty of oven-roasting is that you can achieve that crispy, golden skin without the mess of frying. Your drumsticks will have the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and less than an hour of cook time, you can have this dish on the table in no time. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a casual dinner.
Healthy and Wholesome: This recipe uses simple, clean ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it to your family or enjoying it yourself.
Customizable: Want to add a little kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes for heat! Prefer a milder flavor? Feel free to tone down the garlic or lemon to your liking.
Ingredients in Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish shine. These drumsticks are full of bold, fresh flavors, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen:
Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the show! Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for roasting. The skin crisps up nicely and holds all the delicious flavors.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of citrusy freshness that complements the rich flavor of the chicken.
Garlic: This is the magic ingredient that ties everything together. Its savory, aromatic flavor infuses the chicken, giving it depth and complexity.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the chicken and enhances the flavors.
Olive Oil: This helps to crisp up the skin and ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: These are your go-to seasoning essentials that bring everything together and highlight the natural flavors of the chicken.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Alright, now let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help crisp up the skin and cook the chicken through.
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This marinade will give your chicken that wonderful flavor!
Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up better), then place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
Arrange the Drumsticks: After marinating, arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the drumsticks are spaced evenly apart to allow for even roasting.
Roast the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Finishing Touches: Once the drumsticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the drumsticks with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can even sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for garnish. Now, dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 290
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are so versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Roasted Vegetables: Pair these drumsticks with roasted veggies like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome, comforting meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa makes a perfect base for the flavorful chicken and helps soak up any extra marinade.
Simple Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the rich flavor of the drumsticks beautifully.
Garlic Bread: If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve these with some crispy garlic bread to dip into the juices.
Additional Tips
Rest the Chicken: Don’t skip the resting step after cooking. It allows the chicken to stay juicy and tender.
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Drumsticks: For the crispiest skin and juiciest meat, go with bone-in, skin-on drumsticks. They roast beautifully and retain all their moisture.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you’ve got the time, marinate the chicken for longer—overnight if possible! The flavors will have more time to sink in and make the chicken even more flavorful.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the skin again.
Freezer Friendly: You can also freeze the cooked drumsticks for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, too. They’re a bit juicier, so just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Q2: Can I add other herbs to the marinade?
A2: Yes, feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor. These would pair beautifully with the lemon and garlic.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. After that, just roast it when you’re ready to eat!
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore the crispy skin.
Q5: Can I freeze the drumsticks?
A5: Yes! After cooking, let the drumsticks cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Q6: Can I make these drumsticks on the grill instead of the oven?
A6: Definitely! Grill the drumsticks over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through.
Q7: Can I adjust the seasoning if I prefer a spicier flavor?
A7: Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade to give these drumsticks a nice kick.
Q8: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
A8: If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh really gives the dish that vibrant pop of flavor. You could also try other fresh herbs like cilantro.
Q9: How do I get the skin extra crispy?
A9: Pat the drumsticks dry before marinating to remove excess moisture, and make sure they are spaced apart on the baking sheet for proper air circulation while roasting.
Q10: Can I make this recipe with skinless chicken drumsticks?
A10: While you can use skinless drumsticks, the skin adds extra flavor and texture. Without it, the chicken might be less crispy, but still delicious!
Conclusion
These Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks are a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will love. They’re quick to prepare, packed with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley, and they come out perfectly crispy every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, these drumsticks are sure to impress. So, grab those drumsticks and get roasting—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Print
Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Oven Roasted Lemon Garlic Parsley Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect balance of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both savory and zesty. Roasted to crispy perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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12 chicken drumsticks (organic if possible)
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3-4 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra to loosen marinade)
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
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1 tablespoon maggie seasoning (optional)
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1 tablespoon ALDI Salt Free Table seasoning blend (optional)
Instructions
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Preparation: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade sticks and promotes even cooking.
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Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, adobo seasoning, maggie seasoning, and ALDI seasoning blend. Mix well, or pulse everything together in a mini food processor.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight). Alternatively, you can bake them right away if you’re short on time.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Room Temperature: Take the marinated drumsticks out of the refrigerator and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly.
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Bake the Drumsticks: Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even roasting.
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Oven Roasting: Roast the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Halfway through, turn the drumsticks over to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
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Check Doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden-brown, crispy skin. If not done, cook for an additional 10-20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg