Hammers in the oven

Oven-baked chicken drumsticks with garlic and herbs

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

In every kitchen, there are recipes that quickly become favorites, and oven-baked chicken drumsticks with garlic are certainly one of them. Simple, flavorful, and full of taste, these drumsticks are perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

The history of this recipe intertwines with culinary traditions from many cultures, where chicken is often baked, being an effective method to intensify flavors. By using simple ingredients like garlic and spices, this recipe combines comfort and taste in a very accessible way.

Ingredients:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Delicate seasoning, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 50 g butter

Practical tip: Make sure the drumsticks are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even baking. If possible, choose high-quality chicken drumsticks, preferably from local farmers, for a perfect taste.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by washing the chicken drumsticks well under a stream of cold water. This will remove impurities and help achieve a cleaner texture.
- Peel the garlic cloves, crushing them slightly with the back of a knife. This will help release the strong flavors during baking.

2. Mixing the spices:
- In a bowl, mix the drumsticks with salt, pepper, delicate seasoning, and sweet paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated with these spices to maximize flavor.

3. Arranging in the tray:
- Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Choose a large tray where you can arrange the drumsticks evenly. Place them in the tray, being careful not to overlap. Add the crushed garlic cloves and bay leaves to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.

4. Adding butter and tomato paste:
- Cut the butter into small cubes and place a few pieces on top of the drumsticks. The butter will melt during baking, providing a juicy texture and rich flavor.
- In a small bowl, dilute the tomato paste with about 100 ml of water. Pour this mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring all pieces are covered.

5. Baking:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You can check if the drumsticks are cooked evenly by turning them with a spatula halfway through the baking time. The meat should be well browned and juicy.

6. Serving:
- Once the drumsticks are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, giving it an even more intense flavor.
- Serve the drumsticks hot, alongside a side dish that can range from creamy mashed potatoes to a fresh vegetable salad. Rice or sautéed vegetables also make excellent options.

Personal tip: If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This will add a vibrant color and refreshing aroma that complements the drumsticks perfectly.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken drumsticks are an excellent source of protein, essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while paprika adds extra vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey drumsticks instead of chicken? Yes, turkey drumsticks can be used, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I store leftover drumsticks? Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
3. What wine pairs well with these drumsticks? A dry white wine or a rosé would perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Delicious combinations:
To make the meal even more special, you can pair the drumsticks with a side of fried or baked potatoes. Additionally, a summer salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella would add a touch of freshness.

These oven-baked chicken drumsticks with garlic are a true culinary delight, easy to prepare and full of flavor. I invite you to try them and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!