Chicken drumsticks, with their juicy meat and crispy skin, are a beloved favorite for all ages. These versatile little packages of flavor are not only easy on the wallet but also a canvas for culinary creativity. In this blog post, we'll explore some mouthwatering recipes that take chicken drumsticks to the next level, whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a game day get-together.
1. Classic Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks:
Buffalo chicken drumsticks are a timeless crowd-pleaser. To make this spicy classic, you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the drumsticks in the sauce mixture.
4. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until they're crispy and cooked through.
5. Serve with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
2. Honey Mustard Glazed Drumsticks:
For a sweet and tangy twist, try honey mustard glazed drumsticks. Here's what you'll need:
**Ingredients:**
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the drumsticks in the honey mustard mixture.
4. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the drumsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
3. Lemon Herb Roasted Drumsticks:
For a zesty and herbaceous option, consider lemon herb roasted drumsticks. Gather these ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, minced rosemary, minced thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the drumsticks in the lemon herb mixture.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes or until the drumsticks are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
4. Sticky Asian Sesame Drumsticks:
If you're in the mood for some Asian-inspired flavors, these sticky sesame drumsticks are a winner. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Coat the drumsticks in the sauce mixture.
4. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until they're sticky and cooked through.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
5. Crispy Parmesan Ranch Drumsticks:
For a cheesy and savory treat, try these crispy Parmesan ranch drumsticks. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the drumsticks in the Parmesan ranch mixture.
4. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until they're crispy and cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
With these recipes, your chicken drumsticks will become the star of your dinner table. Whether you prefer the fiery kick of Buffalo, the sweet allure of honey mustard, the zesty zest of lemon herb, the sticky charm of Asian sesame, or the cheesy indulgence of Parmesan ranch, there's a drumstick recipe to satisfy every craving. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to enjoy some finger-lickin' goodness!
