Spicy Adjika Baked Chicken Drumsticks
A delightful fusion of flavors, these Spicy Adjika Baked Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful gathering with friends and family. Inspired by Russian culinary traditions, this recipe combines juicy chicken drumsticks with a spicy and creamy sauce made from Adjika and mayonnaise. The preparation is straightforward, requiring just a few minutes of work before the drumsticks are roasted to perfection in the oven. You can love the simplicity of the dish as it fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Not only is this recipe versatile, allowing for the option to bake a whole chicken, but it also guarantees crispy skin and succulent meat. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
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Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
12 (washed and skin left on)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Ground Pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Adjika Sauce
4 tablespoons (spicy Russian hot sauce)
Mayonnaise
4 tablespoons (preferably olive oil mayonnaise)
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
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2. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water to clean them. Do not remove the skin as it crisps up beautifully during baking.
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3. In a large mixing bowl, add the washed drumsticks and generously season them with salt and ground pepper to taste.
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4. In a separate small bowl, combine about 4 tablespoons of Adjika sauce with 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, adjusting the amounts based on your spice preference. Mix well until fully combined.
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5. Rub the Adjika and mayo mixture evenly over each drumstick, ensuring every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
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6. Prepare a large baking dish lined with aluminum foil or greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the dish.
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7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip the drumsticks to ensure even cooking. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
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8. If the drumsticks need more time to cook, return them to the oven, checking frequently until fully cooked. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Adjika Baked Chicken Drumsticks?
A flavorful fusion dish featuring chicken drumsticks coated in a spicy Russian-inspired Adjika and mayonnaise sauce.
What is Adjika sauce?
Adjika is a spicy and aromatic hot sauce common in Russian and Caucasian cuisine, typically made from peppers, garlic, and herbs.
How long do I bake the chicken drumsticks?
The drumsticks should be baked for 15-20 minutes on one side, then flipped and baked for another 15-20 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) before baking.
Can I use a whole chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is versatile enough to be used for baking a whole chicken instead of just drumsticks.
Should I remove the skin from the drumsticks?
No, keeping the skin on is recommended as it crisps up beautifully during the baking process.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests using olive oil mayonnaise for the best results.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How many drumsticks does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for 12 chicken drumsticks.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a kick due to the Adjika, but you can adjust the spice level by changing the ratio of Adjika to mayonnaise.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The drumsticks are seasoned with salt and ground pepper to taste before the sauce is applied.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish?
Line the baking dish with aluminum foil or grease it with butter or cooking spray.
Should I wash the chicken before cooking?
The instructions mention rinsing the drumsticks under cold water to clean them before preparation.
How do I apply the sauce to the drumsticks?
Rub the mixed Adjika and mayonnaise mixture evenly over each piece to ensure they are well coated.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it requires just a few minutes of active preparation before roasting in the oven.
Can I substitute the chicken drumsticks?
While intended for drumsticks, the sauce and method can be adapted for other chicken parts or a whole bird.
What makes the chicken skin crispy in this recipe?
Leaving the skin on and roasting at 360°F allows the fat to render and the mayonnaise to help the skin brown and crisp.
How much Adjika sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for approximately 4 tablespoons of Adjika sauce.
How much mayonnaise should I use?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise to create a creamy sauce base.
Why do I need to flip the drumsticks halfway through?
Flipping the drumsticks ensures even cooking and consistent browning on both sides.
Can I make this dish for a large gathering?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for family gatherings and flavorful meals with friends.
What is the origin of the flavors in this recipe?
The flavor profile is inspired by traditional Russian culinary practices.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a small bowl for the sauce, and a large baking dish.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper amounts?
Yes, the seasoning should be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What if my drumsticks aren't golden brown after 40 minutes?
Return them to the oven and check frequently until the skin is golden and they are fully cooked.
How should I serve these drumsticks?
Serve them hot with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Is the preparation process straightforward?
Yes, the preparation involves simple steps like seasoning, mixing sauce, and coating the chicken.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
No, it only requires 5 main ingredients: chicken, salt, pepper, Adjika, and mayonnaise.
Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
You can, but Adjika provides the specific regional flavor profile that defines this dish.
What is the key to the succulent meat in this recipe?
Baking the chicken with its skin on helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, succulent meat.