Chicken Drumsticks With Chimichurri Sauce
Is this chicken drumsticks with zesty chimichurri sauce the perfect summer dinner idea? It’s flavorful, healthy, and packed with benefits for women’s health. These chimichurri chicken drumsticks are a great way to enjoy juicy chicken with a bold, herbaceous twist. This recipe uses simple spices to create a delicious summer main dish. A must-have for your list of healthy summer recipes.
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Chicken Drumsticks With Chimichurri Sauce
As a nutrition consultant and chef, I’m always on the hunt for simple meals full of protein, loaded with flavor and nourishing to the body, especially for women navigating the sifting terrain of hormones and energy. These chimichurri chicken drumsticks have quickly become one of my favorite ways to whip up a quick summer dinner that feels indulgent but supports wellness from the inside out.
Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ, pulling together light summer meals for your family, or planning your next picnic-perfect dish, this one’s a keeper. Bonus: it’s just as good the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks with zesty, herb-packed sauce
- ✅ Made with pantry spices and or fresh herbs
- ✅ Hormone-friendly ingredients like olive oil, paprika, and garlic
- ✅ A hit at summer parties, backyard BBQ recipes, or just an easy weeknight dinner
- ✅ Works with different cuts of chicken—try chicken thighs, breasts, or even tenders.
It’s made with the kind of homemade chimichurri sauce you’ll want to double—hello, leftover chimichurri sauce for tomorrow’s grilled veggies!
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Health Benefits (Especially for Women’s Health)
- Olive oil: A rich source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and hormone production and reduces inflammation—a win for energy and skin glow.
- Garlic: Known to support immunity and may help regulate blood sugar—two key areas for women over 40.
- Parsley: More than just a garnish! It’s packed with vitamin K, C, and folate—great for bone health and detox support.
- Red wine vinegar: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves digestion.
- Paprika & cayenne: These anti-inflammatory spices can help stimulate circulation and metabolism.
- Protein from chicken: Crucial for muscle maintenance and hormone synthesis.
Looking for a recipe that creatively mixes proteins? Try my Ultimate Shrimp Tacos for a seafood twist loaded with flavor.
Did you know?
Chimichurri originated in Argentina and Uruguay, and unlike many sauces that are cooked or blended to creamy perfection, chimichurri is traditionally never cooked and often not even blended—just chopped and stirred. It was originally made by gauchos (Argentine cowboys) as a way to brighten up grilled meats during open-fire cookouts on the Pampas. The name “chimichurri” is a bit of a mystery, but some believe it comes from the Basque word tximitxurri, which means “a mixture of several things in no particular order.” Sounds about right, right?
It’s proof that a handful of fresh herbs, vinegar, and good olive oil can make even the simplest grilled chicken feel like a celebration.
How to Make Chicken Drumsticks With Chimichurri Sauce
- Season the Chicken: I add chicken drumsticks to the large bowl, as well as olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub to coat each piece fully.
- Bake or Grill
- For baking, Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the meat.
- For grilling: Heat the grill grate to medium-high heat. Grill drumsticks for about 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes until juices run clear.
- Make the Chimichurri: While the chicken cooks, add parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, vinegar, lemon/lime juice, and olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until you get a slightly chunky sauce. Season to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the chimichurri generously over the drumsticks- or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Save extra sauce in an airtight container for next time or for another meat dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap drumsticks for bone-in thighs.
- Use whole chicken if roasting for a crowd—just adjust the cooking time.
- Fresh out of parsley? Mix in some cilantro for a South American twist.
- Don’t like too much heat? Reduce or omit red pepper flakes and cayenne.
Chef Tips
- For crispy skin (my afvortie), pat drumsticks dry with a paper towle before seasoning.
- Want to speed things up? Try an air fryer —cook drumsticks at 380°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Don’t over-blend your chimichurri. You want texture, not pesto.
- Make the sauce ahead of time—the flavors get even better after a few hours.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own chimichurri. Check out this complete recipe for homemade chimichurri sauce for all the details on how to whip it up
Ways to Serve
- Serve over cauliflower rice or salad for a low-carb, hormone-friendly dinner.
- Pair with grilled veggies at your summer cookout.
- Use leftover chicmichurri sauce as a dressing for salads, grain bowls, or even eggs.
- Bring it to your next picnic or potluck —no one will be disappointed.
- Serve it with Jamaican rice or mashed potatoes.
- If you aren’t a fan of chimichurri sauce, use avocado creama or salsa casera
Storage
- Store leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers.
- Chicken keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Chimichurri sauce will stay fresh for up to a week (thank you, red wine vinegar and lemon juice).
- Reheat chicken in a preheated oven or enjoy cold with the chimichurri spooned over.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet or grill grate
- Food processor
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (check that internal temperature hits 165°F)
- Small mixing bowl
FAQ
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries. Finely chop the herbs and garlic, then mix everything in a small bowl with a fork or whisk. It’s still delicious.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely—grilled chicken and chimichurri are a summer BBQ match made in heaven. Adjust the cooking time and oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
What’s the best cut of chicken for chimichurri?
I love chicken drumsticks, but skin-on chciekn tights, none-in thighs, or even skinless chicken tights work beautifully.
What do I do with leftover chimichurri sauce?
Use it as a dipping sauce, drizzle it over roasted veggies, stir into scrambled eggs, or freeze it in ice cube trays for future meals.
Looking for another creative chicken recipe to try? Don’t miss this Chicken Chasseur Recipe, a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This chimichurri chicken recipe is delicious and simple and fits seamlessly into a nourishing, hormone-supportive lifestyle. Whether you’re firing up the grill for the 4th of July or Labor Day party, looking for quick summer dinners, or prepping for a summer picking, these drumsticks are guaranteed to impress.
More Summer Recipes
Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Gluten-Free Key Lime Bars
Classic Virgin Mojito Mocktail
Roasted Strawberries Vinaigrette – Summer Salad
Pineapple Cucumber Lemonade With Basil
Cucumber Radish Salad With Fresh Dill
Polish Tomato and Dill Pickles Salad
Polish Young/New Potatoes With Dill
No-Bake Peach Cheesecake (Polish Sernik na Zimno)
Polish Sorrel Soup With Hard Boiled Egg (Zupa Szczawiowa)
Grilled Peaches With Balsamic Vinegar
Chicken Drumsticks With Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 Chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne or more if you like it more spicy
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: I add chicken drumsticks to the large bowl, as well as olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub to coat each piece thoroughly.Bake or Grill: For baking, Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the meat. For grilling: Heat the grill grate to medium-high heat. Grill drumsticks for about 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes until juices run clear.Make the Chimichurri: While the chicken cooks, add parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, vinegar, lemon/lime juice, and olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until you get a slightly chunky sauce. Season to taste.Serve: Drizzle the chimichurri generously over the drumsticks- or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Save extra sauce in an airtight container for next time or for another meat dish.
Nutrition
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