Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: The Ultimate Recipe
Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: The Ultimate Recipe
Tender and Juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
You’ll know it’s ready by the incredible aroma wafting from the pan as the chicken simmers! These grilled chicken drumsticks are a true delight, with a wonderfully chewy texture and a rich, savory marinade that seeps deep into the tender meat. Paired with perfectly cooked vegetables, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s perfect as a satisfying meal or a standout dish for special occasions. Prepare to impress with this delicious recipe!
Main Ingredients- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/3 red bell pepper or green bell pepper
- 1 stalk green onion
- About 5-6 pickled garlic cloves
- 4 chicken wings
Marinade & Seasoning- Pinch of ginger powder (optional)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for stew (or homemade: 4 parts soy sauce, 1 part cooking wine, 1 part sugar)
- 2 Tbsp pickled garlic brine (or 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce)
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Pinch of ginger powder (optional)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for stew (or homemade: 4 parts soy sauce, 1 part cooking wine, 1 part sugar)
- 2 Tbsp pickled garlic brine (or 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To remove any gamey odor and impurities, briefly blanch the chicken drumsticks and wings in boiling water. Immediately remove them after submerging and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2
Carefully trim away any excess fat from the chicken drumsticks with a knife or scissors. This step ensures a cleaner, more refined flavor.
Step 3
Prepare your vegetables: chop the green onion into large pieces, and remove the seeds from the bell pepper (or paprika) before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Mince or mash the pickled garlic cloves.
Step 4
Get your soy sauce for stew ready. If you don’t have it on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing 4 parts soy sauce, 1 part cooking wine, and 1 part sugar. This classic ratio is key!
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the blanched chicken drumsticks and wings with a pinch of ginger powder, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for stew, and 2 tablespoons of pickled garlic brine (or 1.5 tablespoons of regular soy sauce if brine is unavailable). Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 6
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken into the hot pan and sear on high heat until golden brown on all sides. Then, reduce the heat to medium to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Step 7
Once one side of the chicken is nicely browned, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This steaming method helps to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Step 8
Remove the lid and flip the chicken pieces. Cook the other side until golden brown, similar to the first side. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the marinade from burning.
Step 9
When the chicken is almost cooked, add the chopped green onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir in the minced pickled garlic and the pickled garlic brine (or soy sauce) and sauté everything together.
Step 10
As the vegetables soften slightly, place the cooked chicken back on top of the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
Step 11
For an extra kick and visual appeal, you can add sliced dried chili peppers from your freezer or fresh red chili peppers. This will add a pleasant spiciness and vibrant color.
Step 12
Now, simmer everything over medium heat until the sauce has thickened to a glaze. As the liquid in the pan reduces, you can add a little more pickled garlic brine and stir-fry quickly until the chicken is glossy and beautifully coated. This is where the magic happens!
Step 13
Once the chicken wings and vegetables are fully cooked, arrange them attractively on a serving plate. If the drumsticks seem less cooked inside, add a tiny splash of water, cover, and simmer gently for a few more minutes until perfectly tender.
Step 14
Check to ensure the chicken drumsticks are cooked through to the center. Transfer them to a plate and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken! It’s best served hot.
