Description
Succulent chicken marinade brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your taste buds with zesty herbs and tangy lemon. Grilling enthusiasts discover a quick, foolproof method to elevate weeknight dinners into culinary moments seasoned with passion and simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 g) chicken drumsticks
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Liquids and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Additional fresh parsley
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Transfer to a sealed container or plastic bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor penetration.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and discard remaining marinade for food safety.
- Position chicken pieces on grill grates, maintaining consistent spacing. Rotate periodically to achieve uniform charring and prevent burning, cooking for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Look for golden-brown exterior with pronounced grill marks and no pink interior.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide complementary citrus notes.
Notes
- Customize marinades by swapping herbs to match cuisine styles like Mediterranean, Asian, or Cajun for varied flavor profiles.
- Tenderize chicken beforehand by using buttermilk or yogurt to break down proteins, ensuring extra softness and moisture.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken, maintaining kitchen hygiene.
- Accommodate dietary needs by substituting olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking and using gluten-free spices for sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg