Fire up your taste buds with Chargin’ Chicken Drumsticks, a bold and zesty recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend grilling. These succulent drumsticks are seasoned with a vibrant blend of smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and a hint of lemon zest, creating a flavorful kick in every bite. A quick honey-lemon marinade enhances the juiciness while balancing the spice with a touch of sweetness. Whether baked to golden perfection in the oven or grilled for a smoky char, these drumsticks come together in under an hour and deliver crispy skin with tender, juicy meat. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or your favorite salad, and garnish with fresh parsley for a stunning presentation. Perfect for chicken lovers and spice enthusiasts, this easy yet impressive dish will make dinner feel like a celebration!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat up your grill to medium-high heat if grilling.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and set them aside in a large bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and honey, whisking until emulsified.
In another bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to create the spice blend.
Pour the olive oil mixture over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken, ensuring that all sides are thoroughly covered.
If time allows, let the drumsticks marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Place the drumsticks on a lined baking sheet or grill. If baking, arrange them on a wire rack over the baking sheet for even cooking.
Cook the drumsticks in the oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling, cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Optional: For extra caramelization, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes on high heat in the oven after baking.
Remove the drumsticks from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.1 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2935 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.9 g | ||
| Protein | 180.1 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 163 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2087 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.