Finally, for those of you looking for the ideal saucy chicken drumstick recipe, here it is! Drumsticks need a particular position in the kitchen, even if they aren’t as popular as chicken breasts. This is because they take longer to prepare and are more difficult to consume. However, they are less expensive and more juicier than chicken breasts.
This spicy chicken drumstick recipe is straightforward. It’s simple and only takes a few ingredients. But what I appreciate most about it is how juicy the chicken drumsticks are.
I’ve put up a few pointers to help you get the most out of them. Here’s the finest recipe for spicy chicken drumsticks.
Contents
- What to Know Before Baking Chicken Drumstick?
- How to Make Saucy Chicken Drumsticks?
- What to Serve with Saucy Chicken Drumsticks?
- How Long Do Baked Chicken Drumsticks Last?
- Saucy Chicken Drumstick Recipe
- FAQs
- Why are my chicken drumsticks tough?
- How long does it take for drumsticks to cook in the oven?
- What goes well with drumsticks?
- How do you keep chicken soft and juicy?
- Is it better to bake drumsticks at 350 or 400?
- Do you need to flip drumsticks in the oven?
- Is it better to cover drumsticks in the oven?
- What’s the difference between a chicken drumstick and a chicken lollipop?
What to Know Before Baking Chicken Drumstick?
If you normally eat chicken breasts, drumsticks are a fattier cut of meat than you are used to. As a result, they are more soft and juicy. This also implies that they need distinct preparation procedures, resulting in a lengthier cooking time.
Chicken breasts are more popular among fitness enthusiasts since they provide 31 grams of protein per 100 grams, while chicken drumsticks have 28.3 grams. [1]
If you’re organizing a large, sophisticated meal, keep in mind that eating drumsticks might be messy, particularly if they’re spicy. Because drumsticks are difficult to eat with silverware, eating them with your hands has become a habit. So, according to many, the proper method to eat a chicken drumstick is to hold it in your hand, bite into it, and pull the flesh with your teeth.
To keep the drumsticks juicy on the inside and somewhat crispy on the exterior, bake them covered first. After that, bake them uncovered at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get the desired crispiness. This is precisely what we are doing when we prepare this dish.
How to Make Saucy Chicken Drumsticks?
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To create saucy chicken drumsticks, first bake the drumsticks wrapped in foil, then remove the foil and let the sauce to caramelize. This is an important point.
But first, let’s talk about the components. Of course, drumsticks and seasonings are required. My favorites for this purpose are salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Season the meat the day before if possible to make it even more tasty.
When it comes to meat cuts, you may experiment and combine them. I used 1 pound of chicken legs and 1 pound of tights, for example. Anything is possible.
Honey, low-salt soy sauce, ketchup, dried parsley, dry oregano, and granulated garlic are all required for the sauce.
When you’ve combined all of the ingredients, pour them over the meat and cover it with aluminum foil. Allow them to bake for 45 minutes at 425°F. Remove the top and return them to the oven for another 15 to 25 minutes.
If you want crispy skin, leave them longer.
Don’t bite in immediately quickly to ensure that the moisture stays within. Instead, allow at least 10 minutes before serving.
The sauce will caramelize wonderfully and will complement whatever side dish you select.
What to Serve with Saucy Chicken Drumsticks?
Because we have a saucy supper here, it will work well with rice or pasta. However, there are several more fantastic ideas you may try.
Cauliflower Rice
If you’re searching for a low-calorie rice substitute, try cauliflower rice.
Use a grater with medium-sized holes to prepare cauliflower rice. Alternatively, use a blender to carefully mix it, taking care not to overblend it.
When the cauliflower has a rice-like texture, lay it on a dish towel and press out the excess water. After that, sauté the cauliflower rice for around 10 minutes in a tablespoon of oil.
Couscous
Couscous is almost certainly something you’ve had if you’ve ever tried Moroccan food. Because it is the tiniest sort of pasta, it naturally complements your juicy chicken drumsticks! Furthermore, the tastes are readily absorbed by the couscous.
What makes couscous even better than pasta is its shorter cooking time and its health benefits. For example, selenium is a potent antioxidant that aids in the repair of our body’s cells. In addition, it boosts the immune system and is a good source of protein. [2]
Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a high-calorie dish when compared to couscous. But if you want hefty meals with plenty of cheese, go for it!
Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are one of the easiest and most delicious side dishes.
Simply cover them with your sauce or serve them with fresh parsley with sauce-covered chicken drumsticks. Potatoes will not absorb flavors as well as couscous or rice, but their mild flavor will not overpower any flavor that your sauce provides.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a popular side dish in Mediterranean nations. They are served with any form of sauce, including ravioli sauces.
They are mostly comprised of mashed potatoes, although they also include wheat flour and eggs. Some recipes include cheese or breadcrumbs, although these are entirely optional.
Their mild flavor complements your sweet sauce and makes it lighter.
How Long Do Baked Chicken Drumsticks Last?
Baked saucy chicken drumsticks will keep in the fridge for approximately four days. However, it is critical that they not be left out at room temperature, particularly during the summer.
So, after the dish has fully cooled, store it in the refrigerator or freeze it in an airtight container.
Saucy Chicken Drumstick Recipe
To sum everything up, here is the recipe.
FAQs
Why are my chicken drumsticks tough?
Overcooking might be to blame for your chicken’s tire-like texture. If you leave chicken in a pan, oven, or grill for too long, it will lose its moisture and become dry and rubbery. Chicken protein fibers become stretchy in the absence of moisture.
How long does it take for drumsticks to cook in the oven?
Arrange the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t touch. If preferred, line the baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleaning simpler. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 175oF.
What goes well with drumsticks?
Garlic mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and roasted vegetables are some of the best side dishes with drumsticks. If you’re in the mood for a salad, combine avocado, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber in a colorful salad and sprinkle with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing.
How do you keep chicken soft and juicy?
Prepare your chicken by marinating it.
Overnight marinating your chicken might help it become more juicier and softer. A gluten-free, acidic marinade (such as olive oil and lemon juice) or something breadier (such as baking soda, egg whites, and buttermilk) may be used.
Is it better to bake drumsticks at 350 or 400?
Option 1: Bake the chicken legs at a higher temperature — 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temperature, like as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, will not result in crispy skin, but it will be juicy and tasty.
Do you need to flip drumsticks in the oven?
For the best results, turn the chicken legs halfway through baking to help them crisp up and cook evenly. Preheat the oven to 170°F. To be safe, whether you cook chicken legs in the oven or any other manner, they should achieve an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
Is it better to cover drumsticks in the oven?
Do you put the drumsticks in the oven covered? No, they should not be covered. You want the skin to brown and the chicken to be roasted rather than steamed. So, without a doubt, leave the drumsticks exposed.
What’s the difference between a chicken drumstick and a chicken lollipop?
A chicken lollipop is a Frenched chicken drumstick with the flesh sliced at the slim end and pushed down to create a lollipop. Once correctly chopped, you may prepare them to your desire (grilling or baking, and serving with your preferred sauce).