Description
Zesty lemon pepper chicken drumsticks bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Crispy skin and juicy meat promise a simple yet spectacular meal that delights both family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Create a vibrant seasoning mixture by combining lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, thoroughly coating each piece to help seasonings stick and promote even browning.
- Generously sprinkle the prepared spice blend over all sides of the drumsticks, massaging the mixture into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to allow proper air circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure uniform crispiness and golden-brown color.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving for a bright, fresh presentation.
Notes
- Achieve maximum crispiness by thoroughly patting chicken dry, removing excess moisture that prevents skin from becoming golden and crunchy.
- Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like smoked paprika or herbs de Provence to customize flavor profile without changing core cooking technique.
- Reduce sodium content by replacing salt with herb-based alternatives or using reduced-sodium spice mixes for health-conscious dietary needs.
- Ensure even cooking by selecting drumsticks of similar size and thickness, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg