Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Sage Leaves

This tantalizing marinated chicken drumstick recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. It's a wonderful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as the marinade infuses the chicken with depth and complexity. The delicate hint of sage adds an earthy note, complementing the juicy chicken. The dish's preparation is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. After marinating, the chicken is seared to perfection and sautéed, resulting in tender, succulent bites. This dish can be easily paired with a variety of sides, making it versatile and customizable. Whether you enjoy it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, it’s a meal that pleases the palate. The combination of honey, mustard, and lemon juice creates a tangy glaze that elevates the taste of the dish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these marinated chicken drumsticks are sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 bunch of sage leaves

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons coarse mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Juice of half a lemon

Spices

• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 100 minutes (Prep: 20 minutes, Cook: 80 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the honey, coarse mustard, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large dish and pour the prepared marinade over them. Ensure each drumstick is well-coated. Cover and let marinate for at least one hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Sage Leaves: Gently rinse the sage leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Season the Chicken: Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and tuck a few sage leaves under the skin of each drumstick.
5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Sear the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in the skillet and sear them on all sides until they are golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes.
7. Season and Cook: Sprinkle the seared drumsticks with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer with Marinade: Pour the leftover marinade over the drumsticks in the pan. Cover with a lid and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
9. Check for Doneness: Ensure the drumsticks are cooked through, with no pink remaining inside. You can use a meat thermometer, which should read at least 165°F (74°C).
10. Serve: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Substitutions: If sage isn’t available, rosemary works as a great substitute.
• Marinade Time: For best results, marinade chicken the night before to enhance flavor.
• Storage: Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated the next day.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbs: 12g

Variations

• Use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Try using chicken thighs for a slightly richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Pair with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fragrant jasmine rice.
• Garnish with fresh sage leaves or a wedge of lemon for added zest.

Best Places

1. Chez Chicken - Renowned for its classic roasted chicken dishes. Location: 15 Rue de Bellechasse, Paris, France.
2. The Herb Grill - Celebrated for its use of fresh herbs in every dish. Location: 32 King Street, San Francisco, USA.
3. Sage Haven - A cozy spot offering a wide range of sage-infused recipes. Location: 110 High Street, Sydney, Australia.
4. Mustard & Honey - Famed for its unique marinade flavors. Location: 58 Lombard Street, London, UK.
5. Flavor Fusion - Known for its eclectic and innovative cuisine. Location: Am Kaiserkai 10, Hamburg, Germany.
6. Marinade Magic - Specializes in a variety of marinated meats. Location: 12 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
7. Savory Sage - Famous for its extensive use of sage in flavoring. Location: 9 Chang'an Avenue, Beijing, China.
8. Lemon Thyme Bistro - Offers a delightful menu with a lemon-themed twist. Location: 22 Orchard Road, Singapore.
9. The Spice Route - Utilizes a variety of global spices in their offerings. Location: 5 Tverskaya Street, Moscow, Russia.
10. Golden Drums - A go-to for quality chicken drumstick dishes. Location: 70 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand.