Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic

User Reviews

4.8

313 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    35 mins

  • Marinating time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    12 pieces

  • Calories

    1466 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    Mediterranean

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic combines marinated chicken legs with a blend of oregano, black pepper, coriander, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion, and lemon for a fragrant and savory dish. The marinade infuses the chicken with citrus and spices, while baking at a high temperature yields tender meat with slightly crisp skin. This recipe is suited for a substantial main course and can be prepared ahead for convenience.

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.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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

  1. 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. When ready, heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  5. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the chicken drumsticks (yes, include the onions and the marinade). Arrange lemon slices in between.
  6. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

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4.8

313 reviews
Excellent

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