Description
Succulent Grilled Chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from summer kitchens. Marinated in zesty herbs and olive oil, this dish brings fresh, tender chicken that invites quick enjoyment at any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 20 large chicken drumsticks
Spices and Seasonings:
- 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 15 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 large limes or lemons
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by pulverizing garlic, harissa paste, nutmeg, sumac, thyme, and fresh citrus juice (lime or lemon) in a food processor. Stream in olive oil (approximately or 60 milliliters) until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform texture.
- Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using clean kitchen towels, then delicately season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer chicken to a spacious non-reactive container, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Gently massage the mixture, ensuring it penetrates beneath the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
- Layer thinly sliced onions throughout the marinating chicken, then seal the container with a secure lid or plastic wrap.
- Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight. If time is limited, permit the chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
- Ignite the outdoor grill, establishing a medium heat zone around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius).
- Carefully position marinated drumsticks on the grill grates, shaking off excess liquid. Ensure adequate spacing between pieces to promote even cooking.
- Rotate drumsticks every 8 minutes, maintaining consistent heat exposure. Total cooking duration typically ranges between 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Discard remaining marinade and onions after grilling. Plate the succulent chicken drumsticks alongside complementary accompaniments, providing napkins for convenient enjoyment.
Notes
- Harissa marinade packs a punch with garlic, nutmeg, and zesty citrus, transforming ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.
- Massaging marinade under chicken skin ensures deep, mouthwatering flavor penetration that will make taste buds dance.
- Marinating time ranges from quick 30-minute room temperature soak to luxurious overnight refrigerator treatment, giving flexibility to busy cooks.
- Grill technique demands medium heat and strategic turning every eight minutes, guaranteeing perfectly charred, juicy drumsticks.
- Bonus tip: Discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination and serve hot with fresh accompaniments for a stunning meal presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg