Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumettes are a savory and tangy dish that makes for a perfect appetizer or main course. These drumettes are cooked until golden brown and then simmered in a zesty lemon garlic sauce that adds a burst of flavor. This recipe is simple to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of tender chicken with a citrusy, garlicky kick.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumettes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumettes
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken drumettes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the drumettes evenly with the seasoning.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Drumettes
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned drumettes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and give the drumettes a nice crust.
- Remove Chicken: Once the drumettes are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as they add flavor to the sauce.
- Add Lemon Zest and Thyme: Stir in the lemon zest and dried thyme. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Drumettes
- Return Chicken: Return the browned drumettes to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the drumettes simmer in the lemon garlic sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the drumettes are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the lemon garlic chicken drumettes hot, with the sauce spooned over the top. They pair well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, try to use drumettes of similar size.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Extra Flavor: For additional depth of flavor, you can marinate the chicken drumettes in the lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Serve the lemon garlic drumettes with cauliflower rice or a green salad to keep the meal low-carb and keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free Version:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Vegan Version:
- Substitute the chicken drumettes with cauliflower florets or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tips for Perfect Drumettes
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumettes for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Resting Time: Allow the drumettes to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before simmering the drumettes and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a bit more lemon juice or a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumettes are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic creates a flavorful experience that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these drumettes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this savory dish and savor the bright, tangy flavors!
Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumettes!
