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Crispy Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Rice

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, spicy peri peri chicken drumsticks paired with bright, zesty lemon rice. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 ¾ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well to form a thick paste.
  2. Pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. Toss the drumsticks in the peri peri marinade until well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and lightly oil the rack. Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the rack, spaced evenly.
  4. Bake the drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While chicken bakes, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add broth and salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat and let rice steam with lid on for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Adjust salt or lemon to taste.
  8. Serve the crispy peri peri chicken drumsticks alongside the zesty lemon rice. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and even crisping. Flip drumsticks halfway through baking. Broil for last 2-3 minutes if skin isn’t crispy enough, watching carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to keep juices juicy. Rinse rice well to avoid clumping. Toast rice before cooking for nuttier flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: peri peri chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, lemon rice, spicy chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free

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