Inject bold, zesty flavor into your dinner routine with these irresistible Spicy Drumsticks! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of paprika, cayenne, cumin, and garlic, these chicken drumsticks are marinated in a tangy-sweet mixture of honey and lemon juice, ensuring every bite is juicy and bursting with flavor. Oven-baked to crispy perfection, these drumsticks are not only easy to prepare but also a healthier alternative to fried chicken. Customize the spice level with optional chili flakes, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing recipe is the ultimate choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve them hot alongside roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad for a meal thatβs as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, honey, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated.
Let the drumsticks marinate for at least 10 minutes. For more robust flavor, refrigerate and marinate for up to 2 hours.
Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick. The internal temperature should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C).
If desired, sprinkle chili flakes over the drumsticks for extra spice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1942 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.5 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.7 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2935 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.4 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.1 g | ||
| Protein | 180.3 g | 361% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 157 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2114 mg | 45% | |
*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.