Buttery Herb Chicken Drumsticks

$- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped The heart of this dish is the chicken drumsticks. They are juicy and tender when cooked well. The butter adds rich creaminess. Olive oil helps make the skin crisp. Fresh herbs bring bright flavors that lift the dish. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley work perfectly together. - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor recommended) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Garlic adds a strong and savory taste. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Salt and pepper are essential to enhance all the flavors. Together, these seasonings create a tasty balance that makes everyone want more. - Fresh lemon wedges - Additional garnish ideas Serving the drumsticks with lemon wedges brings a nice zesty touch. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also garnish with extra herbs for color. A rustic wooden board makes for a lovely presentation. Your guests will be impressed! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot oven helps get the skin crispy. - Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and olive oil. - Add minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. - Mix everything well. Use a whisk or spoon until all the herbs and spices blend into a fragrant mixture. - Toss the chicken drumsticks in the bowl. Make sure each drumstick gets a nice coating of that buttery herb mix. - Arrange the coated drumsticks on the baking sheet. Give them space so they can cook evenly. - Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. - Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking. This helps them brown nicely on all sides. - They are ready when they turn golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C) inside. - After baking, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. - Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon adds a nice touch! The best way to know when chicken is done is by checking its internal temperature. You want your drumsticks to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and juicy. Resting time is also key. After cooking, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tasty. If you want to switch up the herbs, try using dill, basil, or even tarragon. Each herb brings a unique taste to your dish. You can also explore other seasoning ideas. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a bit of honey for sweetness. Both can add exciting layers to the flavor. For serving, arrange the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board or a nice platter. This makes your meal look inviting and special. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for color. A few lemon wedges add a bright touch and help with flavor. You can even place sprigs of rosemary around to enhance the aroma before your first bite. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Chicken: Allow your chicken drumsticks to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and results in juicier meat. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time permits, marinate the drumsticks in the buttery herb mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Check for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning! Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match the herbs based on your preference. Oregano, basil, or even a pinch of chili flakes can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can cook buttery herb chicken drumsticks in various ways. Each method gives a unique taste and texture. - Grilling options: Grilling drumsticks adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the drumsticks with the herb mixture. Cook for about 30 minutes, turning often, until they reach 165°F. - Air frying alternatives: Air frying makes the skin crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Place the coated drumsticks in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can spice up your buttery herb chicken drumsticks easily. - Adding spice variations: For a kick, add cayenne pepper to the herb mix. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives a nice heat without overpowering the dish. - Ingredients for a sweet glaze: Mix honey or maple syrup into the herb mixture for a sweet touch. This balances the savory flavors and adds a lovely shine to the chicken. You can adjust the recipe to fit different dietary needs. - Making it gluten-free: This recipe is already gluten-free. Just be sure your paprika and other seasonings are labeled gluten-free. - Adjusting for low-fat preferences: Use less butter or substitute with olive oil. You can also remove the skin from the drumsticks to cut down on fat while still keeping it tasty. To keep your buttery herb chicken drumsticks fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Allow the drumsticks to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to do it right: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. - Microwave Method: Use a microwave-safe dish. Cover the drumsticks with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This helps keep them tender. How long can you keep those tasty drumsticks? - Refrigerated: They last for about 3 days in the fridge. - Frozen: When frozen, they stay good for about 3 months. Watch out for these signs of spoilage: - Smell: If they smell off, it’s best to toss them. - Texture: If they feel slimy, do not eat them. - Color: If the color changes significantly, it’s time to let go. To make chicken drumsticks crispy, start with high heat. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use a mix of melted butter and olive oil for coating. This helps the skin crisp up. Space the drumsticks apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around them. Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning. The skin will turn golden and crunchy. Yes, you can marinate the drumsticks overnight. This step enhances the flavors greatly. Combine the melted butter, oil, garlic, and herbs. Coat the drumsticks in this mix. Place them in a sealed bag or bowl. Refrigerate them overnight. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before baking. Great side dishes complement buttery herb chicken drumsticks. Consider these options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts - Creamy mashed potatoes for a classic feel - A fresh garden salad for a light touch - Garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce - Steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty addition These sides balance the dish well and create a complete meal. In this post, we covered how to make tasty chicken drumsticks with simple steps. We looked at key ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, and butter. You learned how to prepare, season, and bake them perfectly. We also shared helpful tips for variations and storing leftovers. Cooking should be fun and easy. Now, you can impress your friends and family with your dish. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy every bite!$

Buttery Herb Chicken Drumsticks

Deliciously coated chicken drumsticks baked to perfection with a buttery herb mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 pieces chicken drumsticks
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
as needed fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add the chicken drumsticks into the bowl, ensuring all pieces receive a generous coating of the buttery herb mixture. Toss thoroughly.
Arrange the coated drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through the baking time.
Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
Serve the drumsticks warm, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

For an impressive presentation, arrange the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board or charming platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs for a pop of color, and place lemon wedges around for an inviting touch.

Keyword butter, chicken, drumsticks, herbs