Weeknight Za’atar and Lemon Chicken Drumsticks

October 9, 2013 by Laura Haugen 2 Comments

For quick and easy weekday dinners, I like to have little drumsticks on hand. It takes just a few moments to pre-heat the oven, toss the drumsticks with olive oil and spice in a roasting pan and get them in the oven. Having little canisters of spice blends, like this za’atar blend from Teeny Tiny Spice Co. of Vermont, makes it even easier to pull together a meal in a pinch (or dash?). Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that combines tart sumac, marjoram, thyme, basil, oregano, and white sesame seeds; this one also includes Himalayan pink salt. It’s not hot spicy, but rather mild, tangy and flavorful. And these spiced little drumsticks are perfect for little toddler hands, too.

Weeknight Za’atar and Lemon Chicken Drumsticks

• 8-10 small chicken drumsticks
• olive oil to coat
• Dash of za’atar spice blend, to taste
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges – one for cooking in last stage and one for serving.

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place in a roasting pan; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle spices to taste, mixing and coating the drumsticks well. Place in the oven and let cook for 30 minutes. Turn the drumsticks and squeeze lemon wedges over the chicken; sprinkle more spices if desired. Return to the oven and continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until chicken registers at least 165 F. Serve with a simple salad and garnish with fresh lemon wedges.