Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
3 to 4 servings
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Calories
5286 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Description
This recipe combines olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to create a bright and herbaceous marinade for chicken drumsticks. The chicken is coated thoroughly and refrigerated to absorb the flavors. Baking at 400°F ensures the skin crisps while the meat remains juicy. Additional cilantro added after baking enhances freshness.
The lime adds a citrus brightness balanced by earthy cumin. Garlic contributes pungency, while cilantro brings herbal notes that complement the citrus. The oven cooking method produces tender meat with a lightly caramelized exterior.
This dish works well as a main protein served alongside rice, vegetables, or salads. The marinade’s bold and fresh flavor profile makes the chicken suitable for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.24
- 4 cloves garlic $0.24, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin $0.10
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
- 2 lime $0.66
- 1/2 cilantro $0.40, bunch
- 6 chicken drumsticks $3.54, about 1.75 pounds
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10-15 cranks of a mill) in a bowl.
- Use a zester, microplane, or small-holed cheese grater to remove the zest from one of the limes. Add about 1 tsp zest and 3 Tbsp juice to the marinade.Pull the leaves from 1/4 bunch of cilantro and chop finely. Add the chopped cilantro to the marinade and stir to combine. The other 1/4 bunch of cilantro will be added after baking.
- Pour the marinade into a gallon sized zip top bag and add the chicken drumsticks. Close the bag tightly and massage to mix and coat the chicken pieces in the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or longer if desired, turning the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the chicken pieces to a casserole dish so they are all in one layer, trying not to overcrowd. Pour the rest of the marinade in the bag over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes, basting once or twice throughout. For more browning, turn the broiler on at the end of the cooking time and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the desired amount of browning is achieved. The total cooking time will ultimately depend on the size of your drumsticks and how closely they are packed together in the baking dish. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat has reached 160ºF to be sure.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh slices of lime and more chopped cilantro leaves.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3to 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 5286 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 528.6kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.13g | 2% |
| Protein | 48.6g | 97% |
| Fat | 33.57g | 52% |
| Sodium | 763.5mg | 32% |
| Fiber | 1.87g | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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