Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and oregano. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. You’re looking for a fragrant, aromatic mixture, but be careful not to let it brown.
- While the mixture cooks, clean and dry the chicken drumsticks. Use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly, which helps to achieve a crispy skin. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Once the chicken is seasoned, pour the aromatic olive oil mixture over the drumsticks. Make sure to coat them thoroughly, ensuring every piece is covered in that delicious mixture. This step is key for infusing flavor!
- Place the coated drumsticks in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. This is the moment where anticipation builds as you prepare for the final cooking step.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, and the skin should be crispy and golden brown. It’s a good idea to check the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once they are cooked through, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite succulent.
- Finally, serve your Garlic and Paprika Chicken with your favorite side dish and perhaps a light salad. Enjoy the delightful flavors you’ve created!
Notes
If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika will work as well. This spice blend can be used on any type of chicken. This cook time will be the same for breasts and leg quarters. Pat the chicken dry. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning them with salt and pepper. Removing the excess moisture will make the drumsticks more crispy. Don’t burn the garlic. The garlic only needs to be cooked for 1 minute with the other spices. If it burns it will make the chicken bitter. Temp the chicken. To make sure your drumsticks are fully cooked you will want to use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 165°F (74°C). Stored in an airtight container properly cooled, this chicken dish will keep for 3 – 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave or the oven if you’d prefer when ready to eat.