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Embarking on a culinary adventure with crispy lemon garlic drumsticks can elevate your dining experience to new heights. This recipe perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lemon with the robust aroma of garlic, creating a mouthwatering dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The allure of these drumsticks lies not only in their flavor but also in their texture; the combination of a crisp, golden exterior and moist, tender meat makes for a delightful eating experience.

Crispy Lemon Garlic Drumsticks

Discover the irresistible allure of crispy lemon garlic drumsticks with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfectly balanced with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, each bite offers a delightful crunch and tender meat, making them suitable for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve impressive results. Elevate your dining experience and share this flavorful dish with family and friends—it's sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients
  

10 chicken drumsticks

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To simplify cleanup later, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Whisk everything together until well combined to form a vibrant and aromatic marinade.

      Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks into the bowl with the marinade. Using tongs, toss the drumsticks in the marinade until each piece is thoroughly coated. For enhanced flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if time allows.

        Arrange Drumsticks: After marination, take the drumsticks out of the fridge. Arrange them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them to allow for even cooking and crisping.

          Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the drumsticks for approximately 35-40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, turn the drumsticks over to achieve a uniform crispy skin. They should emerge golden brown and crispy.

            Broil for Extra Crispiness (optional): If you desire even crispier skin, switch the oven to broil during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a vigilant eye on the drumsticks to avoid burning.

              Garnish and Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the drumsticks to rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the drumsticks for a pop of color. Serve with fresh lemon wedges alongside for an extra burst of zesty flavor.

                Enjoy your crispy, tangy, and garlicky drumsticks!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings