Heart-Healthy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Savor the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition with these **Heart-Healthy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks**! This easy, wholesome recipe features tender drumsticks marinated in olive oil, zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. A hint of paprika and onion powder adds a smoky depth, while the grilling method keeps the dish light and heart-friendly. Ready in under an hour (with just 15 minutes of prep), this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Each bite bursts with herbaceous, citrusy goodness, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Pair these juicy drumsticks with grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad for a deliciously balanced, nutrient-packed meal that your whole family will love. **Healthy grilled chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, heart-conscious eating**—this meal has it all!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, paprika, black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-lock bag. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Preheat a grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are ashed over and evenly distributed.
Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and shake off any excess. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the grill heats up.
Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the drumsticks on the grill. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice grill mark. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked through, remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled chicken drumsticks with your choice of heart-healthy sides, such as grilled vegetables or a leafy green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.0 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.2 g | 126% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 1746 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.5 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 179.0 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 129 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1947 mg | 41% | |
*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.
