Description
Juicy Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks bring Mediterranean flavors to summer cookouts with zesty herbs and perfect char marks. Crisp skin and tender meat make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing option you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Activate the grill to medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking surface for chicken drumsticks. Butterfly each drumstick using a sharp knife to enhance flavor absorption and cooking efficiency.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice into a cohesive seasoning blend. Completely immerse the butterflied drumsticks, allowing them to marinate for 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration.
- Grilling Technique: Place marinated drumsticks skin-side down on preheated grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and thorough cooking. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finishing Touch: Remove drumsticks from heat and let rest briefly to redistribute internal juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note to the smoky grilled chicken.
Notes
Butterfly with Care: Use a sharp knife to carefully split drumsticks lengthwise, exposing meat for maximum flavor absorption and even cooking.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in seasoning for at least 30 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfectly crisp exterior while ensuring juicy, fully cooked interior without burning.
Rest and Garnish Technique: Allow grilled drumsticks to rest briefly after cooking, then finish with fresh parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg