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Homemade Chicken Drumstick Marinade photo

Chicken Drumstick Marinade

This Chicken Drumstick Marinade is a flavor-packed delight! Juicy drumsticks marinated in a savory-sweet blend that’s sure to impress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
  • 10 chicken drumsticks
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Resealable Bag or Container
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients - Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Having everything in one place will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Marinade - In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
  3. Step 3: Marinate the Chicken - Place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable bag or a large container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  4. Step 4: Preheat Your Oven or Grill - Before cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill for medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Cook the Chicken - Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the grill. Cook for about 35-40 minutes in the oven or 25-30 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve - Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your perfectly marinated chicken drumsticks!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • To make it vegan, substitute chicken drumsticks with plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh.
  • For a low-sugar variant, reduce or omit the honey and use a sugar substitute.