Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary flavor explosion! This Easy Sticky Lemon Turmeric Chicken is not just a recipe; it's a magical blend of zesty, tangy, and aromatic ingredients that will transport your senses to a world of Asian-inspired deliciousness. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, honey, ground turmeric, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the marinade ingredients until well blended.
- Place chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion).
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the remaining liquid. Arrange drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While chicken is baking, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, creating a sticky glaze.
- Remove chicken from oven and brush with the reduced marinade glaze. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot with rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: The longer you marinate (up to 2 hours), the more intense the flavor will be. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes can work wonders.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy drumsticks.
- Glaze Game Strong: When reducing the marinade, watch it carefully to prevent burning. You want a sticky, slightly thickened consistency that will beautifully coat your chicken.
- Crispy Skin Hack: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating and consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw to complement the vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg