Grilled Harissa Chicken Drumsticks

Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with these mouth-watering Grilled Harissa Chicken Drumsticks? This recipe is packed with bold flavors from a garlic-harissa marinade and is perfect for your next barbecue. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply want a delicious dinner, these drumsticks are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 15 garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons sumac
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 large limes or lemons, juiced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 20 large chicken drumsticks (about 5 pounds)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 large red onion, sliced

Instructions

1. Make the Garlic-Harissa Marinade

In a food processor, blend the garlic, harissa paste, nutmeg, sumac, thyme, lime or lemon juice, and enough olive oil to make a smooth, runny sauce (about ¼ cup).

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl and pour the marinade over top. Rub the marinade into the chicken drumsticks, making sure to get underneath the skin for maximum flavor.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Mix in the sliced red onions and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for four hours, or overnight for best results. If you’re short on time, let the chicken sit at room temperature in the marinade for 30 minutes.

4. Get Ready to Grill

Heat an outdoor grill to medium. When the grill is hot, add the drumsticks in one layer, shaking off the excess marinade. Cover and grill, turning every 8 minutes or so, until they’re well done, which should take about 35-40 minutes in total.

5. Serve

Discard the marinade and onions, and serve the grilled chicken legs with your sides and sauces of choice. Don’t forget to have lots of napkins on hand!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 20 drumsticks

Tips for Success

1. Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes at room temperature can make a difference.
2. Grilling: Keep an eye on the drumsticks and turn them regularly to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
3. Serving: These drumsticks are great with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy these Grilled Harissa Chicken Drumsticks at your next gathering and watch them disappear from the plate in no time! Happy grilling!

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