Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with these incredibly flavorful and succulent green sauce drumsticks! This recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that combines the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. Imagine tender chicken infused with zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and fresh cilantro, creating a dish that's both exotic and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped cilantro to create the marinade. Whisk ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.
- Place chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove drumsticks from marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated drumsticks on the rack to allow even air circulation and crispy skin.
- Bake drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Chicken should have golden brown, slightly charred exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a light salad for a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: For the most intense flavor, let the drumsticks marinate overnight. This allows the fish sauce, lime, and herbs to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
- Basting Technique: Regular basting keeps the chicken moist and helps develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Don't skip this step!
- Rack Placement: Using a wire rack on your baking sheet allows air to circulate, ensuring crispy skin all around the drumsticks.
- Resting Period: Always let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian-inspired salad to complete the meal and balance the rich flavors of the drumsticks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 180mg
