Enjoy these incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken drumsticks, baked to perfection with a rich, buttery lemon-herb marinade. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfectly suited for a ketogenic lifestyle.
• Active Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1.0 to 5.0 hours
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6.0
Ingredients
• 3.0 lbs (approx. 1.36 kg) chicken drumsticks, preferably organic or grass-fed
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2.0 tsp (10 g) minced fresh garlic
• 2.0 tsp (4 g) Italian seasoning
• 1.0 tsp (6 g) salt, or to taste
• 0.5 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper, or to taste
• Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley
Directions
1. Create the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Place the dry drumsticks in a large bowl or a resealable zip-top bag. Pour the lemon-butter marinade over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1.0 hour, or up to 5.0 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Prepare for Baking: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400∘F (200∘C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place an oven-safe wire rack on top.
5. Bake to Perfection: Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Discard the leftover marinade. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165∘F (74∘C) with a meat thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips for Success
• For Crispier Skin: Using a wire rack is essential. It elevates the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate all around and the fat to drip away, resulting in perfectly crispy skin.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these drumsticks with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad to create a complete and delicious keto meal.
Estimated Nutrition Information
Per serving (assumes 6.0 servings)
• Calories: 528
• Fat: 28.8g
• Protein: 62.7g
• Net Carbs: ~2.0g
