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Garlic Butter Chicken Drumsticks - Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken drumsticks: 2 to 2.5 pounds (about 8 drumsticks).
  • Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons, melted.
  • Garlic: 5–6 cloves, finely minced.
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (helps prevent butter from burning).
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tablespoon juice.
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried).
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked or sweet).
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon.
  • Salt: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons, to taste.
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Optional heat: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  • Optional garnish: Extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Method
 

  1. Prep the drumsticks: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp. If there’s excess skin or loose fat, trim it.
  2. Preheat your oven: Heat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top for better air circulation. If you don’t have a rack, lightly oil the foil.
  3. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Coat the chicken: Place drumsticks in a large bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the garlic butter over them and toss to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining butter for basting.
  5. Arrange and bake: Place drumsticks on the rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Baste and finish: Brush the drumsticks with the remaining garlic butter. Bake another 15–20 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, not touching the bone.
  7. Crisp under the broiler (optional): If you want extra-crispy skin, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes so the juices settle. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.