Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Marinating time
30 mins
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Servings
12 pieces
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Calories
1466 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic
Description
This recipe for Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic features bone-in, skin-on chicken legs marinated in a mixture of dry spices—oregano, black pepper, coriander, sweet paprika, and cumin—along with chopped garlic, onion wedges, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. The marinade imparts a balanced combination of herbal, citrus, and warm spice notes throughout the meat.
After marinating, the chicken is arranged in a baking dish with lemon slices and baked in a 450°F oven until cooked through, with juices running clear and an internal temperature of 165°F. The high heat encourages slight crisping of the skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. The inclusion of onions and lemon slices during baking adds aromatic elements and moisture.
The dish can be served as a centerpiece protein for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, salads, or grains. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate several hours or overnight to deepen flavor. Leftover drumsticks can be stored refrigerated for 2 to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months, with proper reheating to maintain moisture and texture.
Ingredients
- 10 to 12 chicken drumstick bone in, skin on
- kosher salt
- 1 tbsp oregano dry
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1 sweet paprika tsp
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 garlic about 12 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped, head
- 1 yellow onion cut into wedges, medium
- lemon zest, juice of 2 lemons, plus 1 lemon sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil I used Private Reserve Greek olive oil
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with kosher salt, be sure to season under the skin too. If you have the time, arrange the chicken on a tray or a shallow dish and chill in the fridge uncovered for a few hours or overnight (optional.)
- Place the chicken in a large zip bag. In a small bowl, combine spices (oregano, black pepper, coriander, paprika, and cumin.) Add the spices to the chicken in the bag.
- Add the garlic, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Zip the bag shut. Toss chicken around and massage to make sure it is well coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes, or if you have the time, refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- When ready, heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the chicken drumsticks (yes, include the onions and the marinade). Arrange lemon slices in between.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and its juices run clear (internal temperature of chicken should register 165 degrees F using an instant read thermometer). If you like, broil for just a few minutes until skins are crispy to your liking.
Notes
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes; 2 to 4 hours or overnight improves flavor.
- Bring marinated chicken to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Use lemon slices baked with the chicken to add aroma and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1466 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 146.6kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 1.6g | 1% |
| Protein | 11.3g | 23% |
| Fat | 10.4g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2g | 11% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7g | 10% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.7g | 29% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 66.5mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 168.4mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 40.8IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.8mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18.4mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.