Herb-Crusted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking to elevate your weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen? These Herb-Crusted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with flavor and couldn't be easier to make. Perfect for a quick family meal or a laid-back get-together with friends.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

Olive oil acts as the base for our marinade, helping to lock in moisture and flavor. Lemon zest and lemon juice bring a refreshing acidity that pairs beautifully with chicken. The dried parsley and thyme add earthy, herbaceous notes, while garlic powder and onion powder deliver a savory depth. The combination of salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper ensures a balanced seasoning with just a touch of heat. Finally, gluten-free breadcrumbs create that irresistible crispy coating.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra punch, marinate the drumsticks for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
  • Don't skip the resting time after baking — it helps redistribute the juices.
  • If you don't have gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes make a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These drumsticks pair beautifully with a fresh, vibrant salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or a cheesy polenta. A cool, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrusy and herbaceous flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; thighs may need a few extra minutes.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Herb-Crusted Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil with lemon zest and juice, then stir in the parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. This mixture forms a flavorful marinade.

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors start to meld with the chicken. Next, pour the gluten-free breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each drumstick in the breadcrumbs one by one, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.

Arrange the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the preheated oven and let them bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the outside is golden brown and a kitchen thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep them juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A vibrant blend of herbs and spices gives these drumsticks a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs make this suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
  • Minimal prep time — just 15 minutes before popping them in the oven.
  • Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Place the gluten-free breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
5. Roll each drumstick in the breadcrumbs until well-coated and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the drumsticks are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.

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