Oven-baked sticky chicken drumsticks with Dukkah offer a delightful fusion of flavours and textures. The savoury and nutty spice blend of Dukkah complements the tender, juicy chicken, while the sticky glaze adds a touch of sweetness. They make a perfect casual meal.
Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a classic dish that’s very easy to prepare, fun to eat, and so flavourful. Due to their juicy flavour and tender meat, drumsticks are a popular chicken cut. They are often served as a main course or as part of a meal.
Chicken drumsticks pair wonderfully with different salads, roasted vegetables or your favourite kind of potatoes. I love oven-roasted potatoes, which you can make simultaneously in the same baking dish. Yummy.
The reasons for joy and fun eating drumsticks
Firstly, there is something satisfying about gnawing on the meat and pulling it off the bone. Also, the meat on the drumsticks tends to be more flavourful and juicy than other parts of the chicken.
Secondly, and this is the best part, you can be as messy as you like while eating them, without worrying about being too neat. The best way to enjoy them is to eat them with your hands. Fun fun fun.
Thirdly, it makes a great meal gathering for family and friends. The kids will love it, too.
Already plain baked chicken drumsticks are amazing. But, when looking for a twist of flavours you can try a different marinade (herbal, fruity, garlicky), a spicy rub or a sticky glaze (I suggest using honey or maple syrup).
This homemade marinade, or you can call it glaze as well (it includes honey too), is perfect for grilling or baking chicken, beef or pork. You can easily prepare it at home. Combine oil, honey, salt, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cayenne pepper and some black pepper. Then, mix and apply to the meat. You can infuse it into the meat for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Of course, you can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or chili flakes or reducing the amount, for a milder flavour. If you are aiming for a sweeter marinade, add more honey. Don’t be shy to experiment with different spices.
Here are some more chicken recipes for you to enjoy: crispy garlic chicken breasts, juicy peanut butter crust chicken, an Italian classic pollo alla cacciatora, the amazing nut-crusted chicken tenders or this pumpkin chicken burger.
Dukkah
Additionally, you will find an extra flavour in this baked chicken recipe. That’s Dukkah. Dukkah is a delicious mix of spices that combines savoury and nutty flavours and originates from Egypt. It pairs amazingly with baked chicken, too.
If I had to describe Dukkah, I would say: it is a blend of nuts, seeds and spices. In other words, imagine ground almonds, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, pistachios, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, fennel and chili mixed. What an explosion of flavours! It tastes amazing when added to salads, bread, vegetables and meat.
Ingredients for 10 oven-baked sticky chicken drumsticks:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tsp of coconut oil (melted)
- 3-4 Tbsp of olive oil
- 2 g sea salt
- 2 tsp of smoked paprika powder
- 1 tsp of cayenne pepper
- 2-3 Tbsp of honey
- 1/2 a tsp of black pepper
- chili flakes (as desired)
- fresh coriander (chopped)
- fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3 tsp of Dukkah (topping)
To begin, preheat the oven to 200°C. Then combine olive oil, coconut oil, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili flakes and honey in a bowl. Stir with a spoon to combine.
Score the chicken drumsticks with a sharp knife and lay them onto a baking dish or tray (lined with parchment paper). Then, brush them generously with the marinade on all sides. Pour the remaining marinade over them and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Afterwards, bake them in the oven for 40 minutes until crispy and cooked throughout. Halftime through, spoon the marinade from the bottom of the dish back onto the drumsticks. Repeat this step 10 minutes later.
Finally, remove the oven-baked sticky chicken drumsticks from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh coriander or parsley. Also, use some more chili flakes for extra heat. Additionally, sprinkle them with some Dukkah for extra texture and flavour.
Enjoy.
