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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika These main ingredients create a fresh and zesty flavor. The chicken drumsticks are juicy and tender. The olive oil helps the skin crisp up nicely. The lemon adds brightness, while garlic gives depth. - 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness) - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish Honey adds a slight sweetness. It balances the tartness of the lemon. The fresh thyme sprigs serve as a lovely touch when serving. They enhance the dish's visual appeal and flavor. - Fresh thyme is key to this recipe. It pairs perfectly with chicken. - Paprika adds color and a mild smoky taste. - Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. These herbs and spices create a well-rounded dish. They bring out the best in the chicken. You can play with other herbs, like rosemary or oregano, for variety. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need 8 chicken drumsticks, olive oil, lemons, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey if you want added sweetness. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir this mixture well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade bowl. Use your hands or tongs to coat each drumstick well. It is important that every piece gets covered to absorb all the flavors. Let the drumsticks sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate them overnight in the fridge. This step makes a big difference in taste. After marinating, arrange the drumsticks on your baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching. This helps them cook evenly. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Halfway through cooking, flip the drumsticks for even browning. Once done, take them out and let them rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty lemon thyme roasted chicken drumsticks! To get that perfect crispy skin, start with dry drumsticks. Pat them with paper towels before marinating. The marinade adds flavor but can make the skin soggy if it’s too wet. Roast the chicken in a hot oven, around 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the skin crisp up nicely. Flip the drumsticks halfway through to get even browning. You can use your grill for this recipe. Just marinate the drumsticks as you would for baking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, turning them often. This gives them a smoky flavor. Baking is a great option too. It’s easier to keep an eye on the chicken and get that golden finish. Want to switch things up? Add different herbs like rosemary or oregano. You can also mix in spices like cumin or cayenne for heat. For a sweet twist, try adding brown sugar with the honey. If you love citrus, add orange juice or zest to the marinade. These small changes can take your lemon thyme roasted chicken to a new level! {{image_2}} I love serving Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with simple sides that balance the flavor. Some great options include: - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roast well. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes add comfort to the meal. - Rice: Lemon or herb rice works nicely with the chicken. - Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds a fresh touch. - Green salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette keep it light. Drinks can enhance your meal. For this dish, I recommend: - Lemonade: This drink echoes the lemon flavor in the chicken. - White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with thyme and lemon. - Sparkling water: A refreshing choice, try it with a slice of lemon. - Iced tea: A light herbal tea brings out the dish's flavors. Garnishes bring your dish to life. Here are my favorites: - Fresh thyme sprigs: They add color and hint at the flavor inside. - Lemon wedges: Serve them on the side for a burst of freshness. - Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of green adds a nice contrast. - Zest: A bit of lemon zest on top adds a bright touch. After enjoying your lemon thyme roasted chicken drumsticks, store any leftovers properly. Place the cooled drumsticks in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save them longer, try freezing. To reheat your chicken drumsticks, the oven is the best choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also use a microwave, but the skin won't be crispy. If you want to freeze your drumsticks, make sure they are completely cool. Wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Write the date on the bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. If you have time, leave them in the fridge overnight. Longer marination gives a deeper taste. Yes, you can use other cuts like thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a bit longer, while breasts cook faster. Ensure all chicken pieces are at a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C). The best way is to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Insert it in the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This post covered how to make lemon thyme roasted chicken drumsticks. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for nice skin. I shared serving ideas and how to store leftovers too. Cooking can be simple and fun. With these steps, you can create a tasty meal. Trust me, your friends and family will love this dish. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Savor the tantalizing flavors of Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken Drumsticks! This simple recipe combines zesty lemon, fresh thyme, and garlic for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep, your oven will do the rest, leaving you with crispy, golden drumsticks that your family will love. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to this delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons (zested and juiced)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and honey (if using). Mix well to create a marinade.

      Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Allow the drumsticks to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).

        Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded to allow even cooking.

          Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

            Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

              Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4