Baked chicken drumsticks with Lime and Cilantro
Lime and cilantro roasted chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat. A simple, flavorful oven recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs, with or without skin, depending on your preference
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 Zest of lime
- 50 g fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime slices or wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Add the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cumin (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.
- Whisk the marinade until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, lightly drizzled with olive oil.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Baste the chicken occasionally with the cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by cilantro rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
You can also choose to use the barbecue instead of the oven. Marinate the chicken as instructed above, then preheat the grill to high heat. Grill the chicken pieces for about 12 minutes, turning them regularly, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
The lime can easily be replaced with lemon, if preferred.
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley makes a great substitute.
You can also add cumin to the marinade—it adds extra depth and is delicious as well.