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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love? Try these Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks! Inspired by cherished memories of cooking with loved ones, this recipe features tender, juicy drumsticks marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these drumsticks bake to golden perfection, delivering a delicious balance of flavors that will elevate any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons (zested and juiced)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Prep the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed.

    Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best flavor, marinate overnight.

      Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

        Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help with easy cleanup and prevent the chicken from sticking.

          Arrange the Drumsticks: Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.

            Bake the Chicken: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Turn the drumsticks halfway through for even browning.

              Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an additional crispy skin, switch the oven to broil during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

                Let Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 min | 1 hr 5 min | 4 servings