This chicken drumsticks recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken at home. Popular for both weeknight dinners and party appetizers, chicken drumsticks are loved for their crispy exterior and succulent meat inside. Whether you bake, fry, or grill them, this easy chicken drumsticks recipe uses a blend of spices and marinades that create rich flavor and irresistible aroma, making it a favorite among chicken lovers.

Method

Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large oven-proof dish, making sure they are spread out evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, za’atar, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon. This blend of spices is key to giving the chicken that authentic Middle Eastern flavor. Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, making sure to coat every part, including under the skin for maximum flavor absorption. Once coated, cover the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours or, even better, overnight. The longer it sits, the more intense and flavorful the marinade becomes.

Once you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) or Gas Mark 5. Prepare the oven dish by adding about 1/4 cup of water to the base of the dish with the marinated chicken. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender while it cooks. Now, place the dish in the center of the oven, and let the chicken bake for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, be sure to baste and turn the chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly and develops a crisp, golden-brown skin. If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 75°C (165°F) to guarantee that it’s fully cooked.Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and add the finishing touches. If you like, sprinkle a little sumac over the top for a tangy kick, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides like tabbouleh, flatbread, and a cool yogurt dip, and enjoy a meal bursting with flavor.

Necessary Tools

Large oven-proof dish
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Knife and cutting board

Chicken Drumsticks Recipe- Lebanese Style

Recipe by Troy Jorge

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: LebaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

1kg Chicken drumsticks (skin on, washed and patted dry)
For the Marinade
1/4 cup Olive oil
1 Lemon (juiced and zested)
5 Garlic cloves (minced)
3 tbsp Zaatar (za’atar)
1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
1 tsp Crushed black pepper
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
Sumac (optional, for sprinkling over once cooked)
Fresh parsley (finely chopped for garnish)

Directions

Start by placing the chicken drumsticks in a large oven-proof dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, za’atar, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon. Rub this marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin too. Cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least a few hours, or overnight if you have time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) or Gas Mark 5. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the base of the dish with the chicken. Place the dish in the middle of the oven and cook for 40-45 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken halfway through and baste it to get that golden-brown, crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle a little sumac over the top for an extra burst of flavor, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the drumsticks with tabbouleh, flatbread, and a refreshing yogurt dip. Enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to get the chicken under the skin with the marinade for maximum flavor.
Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. The meat should reach 75°C (165°F).
Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to keep the skin crispy and juicy.
If you choose to add sumac, sprinkle it just before serving to keep its bright flavor intact.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken drumsticks are perfect served with:

A refreshing, crunchy tabbouleh salad
Soft, warm flatbread for dipping
A cool and creamy yogurt dip, like tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt with garlic and cucumber
A side of roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition

Fun Fact

Did you know? Za’atar, one of the key ingredients in this recipe, is a popular spice mix used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s made from a blend of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac, and it’s known for its earthy, tangy flavor!

Conclusion

In conclusion, this chicken drumsticks recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispiness, juiciness, and bold seasoning that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether served as a snack, starter, or main dish, these crispy chicken drumsticks are versatile and easy to prepare. Try this easy baked chicken drumsticks recipe for a delicious homemade dish that guarantees restaurant-style taste at home.