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Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Lemon herb grilled chicken drumsticks with crispy skin and fresh lemon garnish
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This recipe transforms simple chicken drumsticks into a juicy, flavor-packed meal with a bright lemon and fresh herb marinade. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer grilling and weeknight dinners. The method ensures crispy skin and tender meat every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
  • 2 large lemons (one for zest and juice, one for serving)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of one lemon, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl with the marinade and toss thoroughly, massaging the mixture into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat and prep the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-425°F). Clean the grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill to perfection. Place the drumsticks on the hot grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden-brown. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
  5. Rest and serve. Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze the remaining fresh lemon over the top just before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before marinating is key for crispy skin. Do not marinate in the lemon juice for more than 8-12 hours, as it can make the texture mushy. Letting the chicken rest after grilling ensures juicy results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/lemon-herb-grilled-chicken-drumsticks/