Crispy & Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Drumettes
Kid-Approved ‘Oven Maru Chicken’ Style Drumettes Recipe
A healthy oven-baked chicken drumette recipe that even mothers who dislike fried chicken can make for their kids, using a convenient store-bought sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 1kg Chicken Drumettes (approx. 10-12 pieces)
- 1 bottle store-bought BBQ sauce (or approx. 200ml)
- A pinch of dried parsley
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse frozen chicken drumettes under running water to thaw. To remove any impurities and blood, parboil them in boiling water with half a cup of soju or 2 tablespoons of cooking wine for at least 15 minutes. This step helps eliminate unwanted gamey flavors and tenderizes the drumettes.
Step 2
Drain the parboiled drumettes and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Carefully remove any remaining bits of fat, skin, or blood from the surface to ensure a clean and delicious final dish.
Step 3
To help the sauce penetrate deeply, make 2-3 shallow scores on each drumette with a sharp knife. This allows the marinade to reach the meat, resulting in a richer flavor and helping them cook more evenly and quickly.
Step 4
Place the prepared chicken drumettes in a mixing bowl. Generously pour the store-bought BBQ sauce over them. Using a pre-made sauce significantly simplifies the process without compromising on deliciousness, mimicking that ‘Oven Maru Chicken’ flavor.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the drumettes with the BBQ sauce using your hands, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Letting them marinate for about 10 minutes will enhance the flavor absorption even further.
Step 6
Arrange the marinated drumettes in a single layer on a preheated oven rack or baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 235°C (approx. 450°F) for 15 minutes, until the surfaces begin to turn golden brown.
Step 7
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the drumettes from the oven and flip them over. Brush any remaining BBQ sauce over the flipped sides for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. You can skip this basting step if you prefer.
Step 8
Return the drumettes to the oven and increase the temperature to 250°C (approx. 480°F). Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and cooked through. (The image shows an example using a convection oven; cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your oven type.)
Step 9
Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken drumettes from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and aroma. These are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven!
