Crunchy Lemonade Drumsticks
these crispy baked chicken drumsticks are infused with bright lemon flavor and coated in a crunchy panko crust. marinated in a tangy lemonade-style buttermilk brine, each bite bursts with juicy tenderness and a citrusy kick. perfect for picnics, casual dinners, or make-ahead lunches, they’re as flavorful as they are simple to prepare.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (divided)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup buttermilk
12 skin-on chicken drumsticks (3.5 to 4.25 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, and 1 cup water. Whisk until sugar dissolves, then stir in buttermilk.
Use a fork to pierce the drumsticks a few times for better flavor absorption. Season with salt and pepper, then submerge in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.Prepare for Baking:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Let chicken come to room temperature.
In a large resealable bag, combine panko, remaining 1 tablespoon lemon zest, thyme, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Shake to mix.
Add mayonnaise to a small bowl. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and lightly coat with cooking spray.Coat the Drumsticks:
Remove chicken from marinade and lightly pat dry.
Dip each drumstick in mayonnaise, coating all sides, then drop into the breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake to coat evenly.
Arrange drumsticks on the prepared rack and spray the tops with cooking spray.Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Bake for 35 minutes, then flip each drumstick. Spray again and bake another 35–40 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container if making ahead.
- Pro Tip
Double-coat for extra crunch! After the first breadcrumb coating, dip the drumsticks back into the mayo and re-coat in panko. This will give you a thicker, even crispier crust—especially satisfying if you’re not frying. Also, for extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix!
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