Crunchy Lemonade Drumsticks Recipe

Name: Crunchy Lemonade Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup buttermilk; 12 skin-on chicken drumsticks (3 1/2 to 4 1/4 pounds); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; Olive-oil cooking spray

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup buttermilk
12 skin-on chicken drumsticks (3 1/2 to 4 1/4 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Olive-oil cooking spray

1
Mix 1 tablespoon lemon zest and the lemon juice in a large bowl.
2
Add 1 cup water and the sugar and whisk to dissolve, then whisk in the buttermilk.
3
Pierce the drumsticks several times with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
4
Toss in the marinade, cover and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight.
5
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring the chicken to room temperature.
6
Put the panko, thyme, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon zest, the cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste in a large resealable plastic bag and shake to mix.
7
Put the mayonnaise in a bowl.
8
Set a rack on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
9
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, dip in the mayonnaise, then drop into the bag and shake to coat; transfer to the rack.
10
Mist the chicken with cooking spray.
11
Bake until golden, about 35 minutes; flip and bake until browned and crisp, 35 to 40 more minutes.
12
Cool completely, then pack in an airtight container.
13
Photographs by Con Poulos

968

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

100

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup buttermilk, and more.

Yes, Crunchy Lemonade Drumsticks falls under the Drinks & Smoothies category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Crunchy Lemonade Drumsticks

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions