These cilantro lime chicken drumsticks are PACKED with flavor! Garlicky, juicy, and a great way to brighten up everyday chicken. Perfect for the grill too!
I have been grilling A LOT this summer; which is a huge change from last summer. To be honest, I never grilled that much in the past… so we’ll just say I don’t have the best grilling skills. However, that did not stop me this summer from playing around on the grill, and it’s been awesome learning and trying new recipes! So far my favorite things to grill have been vegetables and chicken. The grill gives such a great flavor, and I love how quickly everything cooks. I’ve been loving throwing these cilantro lime chicken drumsticks on the grill! GUYS…
FLAVOR!! The flavor these drumsticks get from not only the grill, but the herbs (cilantro) and garlic, and the brightness from the limes is simply amazing. The chicken is so juicy, and it’s become one of my favorite chicken recipes to date.
These drumsticks do not have to be made on the grill to enjoy them. I love popping these in the oven, and its a great weeknight meal because you can just marinate the chicken, and throw it right in the oven when you get home from work. The flavors are so bright and often make me think of summer (cilantro & limes); my mouth is watering just sitting here typing this. If you’re baking this in the oven, the chicken takes about 45 min to cook. The total cooking time depends on how big your drumsticks are so you may have to adjust the cooking time. The bigger your drumsticks the longer it will take to cook. To be sure your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked when it has reached and internal temperature of 160 °F.
Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls
To maximize flavor you will want to marinate this chicken for at least 30 minutes. I often leave it to marinate overnight, or make it right before I leave for work so that it spends all day marinating. The marinade is simple and consists of olive oil, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and the zest and juice of limes. The longer you leave the drumsticks to marinate the more flavor they will absorb. Don’t skip this test!
Serve these cilantro lime chicken drumsticks with anything you like. I served with a whole roasted turmeric cauliflower (pictured), but I also love having them with white rice and black beans! Check out the recipe below!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks
These cilantro lime chicken drumsticks are PACKED with flavor! Garlicky, juicy, and a great way to brighten up everyday chicken. Perfect for the grill too!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 limes
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper in a bowl.
- Zest one of the limes. Set the zest aside, and juice the 3 limes. Add the zest, and juice to the marinade. Remove 1/4 bunch of cilantro and chop finely. (Set the other 1/4 bunch of cilantro aside) Add the chopped cilantro the marinade and stir to combine.
- Pour the marinade into a large resealable bag and add the chicken drumsticks. Close the bag tightly and massage to mix and coat the chicken pieces in the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or longer if desired.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the chicken pieces to a baking pan leaving enough room between each drumstick. Do not overcrowd. Pour the rest of the marinade in the bag over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes. Check the chicken periodically, and base with the juices from the pan. Once the chicken is done cooking pop in the broiler for about 2 minutes, to get a nice char on the chicken. Chicken is cooked when it has reached an internal temperature of 160ºF.
- Garnish the chicken with fresh slices of lime and more chopped cilantro leaves (the other 1/4 bunch).
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