Description
These Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and infused with citrus, garlic, and warm spices. Inspired by traditional Colombian flavors, this dish is simple, comforting, and perfect for baking or grilling. The marinade combines olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant and aromatic profile that enhances the tender chicken. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2½ lb chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (or mix of lime and orange juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground achiote (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, achiote (if using), salt, pepper, and cilantro until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange drumsticks for baking: Place the marinated drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking. Pour any leftover marinade evenly over the drumsticks to enhance flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform browning and crispiness. Bake until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Optional broiling: For an extra golden and slightly charred finish, broil the drumsticks for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, carefully monitoring to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot alongside rice, arepas, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- This marinade works equally well with chicken thighs or whole chicken pieces if you prefer different cuts.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness and better flavor retention.
- Serve this dish with traditional Colombian sides such as rice, arepas, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Colombian, Latin American
