Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks with Garlic Lime Butter 🍗🍋🧄

Juicy drumsticks butterflied for even cooking, basted with zesty garlic lime butter—perfectly smoky and flavorful!

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

For the garlic lime butter

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

For garnish

• Lime wedges
• Extra chopped parsley or cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or set grill to medium heat. Butterfly drumsticks by slicing along the bone and flattening slightly. Pat dry. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
2. Cook the chicken:
   • Oven method: Arrange on parchment-lined sheet or wire rack. Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Grill method: Grill 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Prepare garlic lime butter: Whisk melted butter, garlic, lime zest and juice, honey (if using), and parsley/cilantro in a small bowl.
4. Baste: During last 5 minutes of cooking, brush drumsticks generously with garlic lime butter. Reserve some for serving.
5. Finish & serve: Rest chicken 5 minutes. Drizzle with remaining garlic lime butter, garnish with lime wedges and herbs, and serve hot.

Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

✨ Smoky, zesty, and buttery—these drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing main dish for any occasion!