Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: A Flavorful Summer Treat

As the summer grilling season reaches its peak, there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a deliciously prepared meal right off the grill. Today, I’m excited to share a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress at your next barbecue: Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks. This dish not only cooks faster thanks to the butterflying technique but also allows the rich, smoky flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Here’s how you can prepare this mouth-watering entrée.

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for the chicken.
2. Butterfly the Drumsticks:
   • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each drumstick lengthwise to open them up. This increases the surface area for more flavor absorption and even cooking.
3. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Add your butterflied drumsticks to the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated. Let the drumsticks marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
5. Grill the Drumsticks:
   • Place the marinated drumsticks on the preheated grill, skin side down. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is perfectly cooked.
6. Rest the Chicken:
   • Once grilled, remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more succulent.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the drumsticks before serving to add a refreshing herbal note to the smoky flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Calories per Serving: 220 kcal

This recipe for butterflied grilled chicken drumsticks is not only straightforward but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect choice for any summer gathering. The combination of smoky, aromatic spices with the zesty punch of lemon makes each bite a delightful experience. So fire up the grill, and let these drumsticks be the highlight of your outdoor dining!

Happy grilling!

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