Get ready to transform your ordinary grilling experience into a mouthwatering culinary adventure! These Grilled Chicken Shawarma Drumsticks are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of the Middle East. With a perfect blend of aromatic spices and a grilling technique that guarantees juicy, tender chicken every single time, this recipe is about to become your new summer sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove chicken drumsticks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the spice mixture adhere better.
- Thoroughly coat each drumstick with the prepared spice marinade, ensuring complete and even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C), creating direct and indirect heat zones.
- Clean and oil grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.
- Place marinated drumsticks on the indirect heat side of the grill, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick.
- Once cooked, transfer drumsticks to a serving platter and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments like tzatziki, hummus, or pita bread.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your chicken sit out for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Moisture Management: Pat those drumsticks completely dry before marinating. This helps the spices stick better and creates a gorgeous, crispy exterior.
- Indirect Heat is Your Friend: Use the two-zone grilling method to prevent burning and ensure your chicken cooks evenly and stays incredibly juicy.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Don't guess! 165°F (74°C) is your target for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Let your drumsticks rest for 5-7 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meat tender and flavorful.
- Marinade Maximization: For even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 2-4 hours before grilling.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spiced chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
