Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumettes! Imagine tender, crispy chicken bursting with bright, tangy flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This simple yet spectacular recipe combines the bold punch of garlic with the refreshing zing of lemon, creating a dish that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumettes
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken drumettes cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the juice of the three lemons, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined to create a marinade.
- Rinse the chicken drumettes under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better to the chicken.
- Add the chicken drumettes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the drumettes in the marinade until they are evenly coated. For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the chicken, making it crispy.
- After marinating, arrange the chicken drumettes on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the drumettes from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making them more tender and flavorful.
- Serve the lemon garlic chicken drumettes warm, garnished with fresh lemon wedges or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and zesty dish!
Tips
- Marination is Key: For maximum flavor, don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours will dramatically enhance the taste.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Crispy Skin Technique: Using a wire rack on your baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around the drumettes, ensuring crispy skin on all sides.
- Resting Time: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or serve with additional lemon wedges to brighten the dish even more.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 321kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
