Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some mouthwatering dishes with friends and family. At TacoTuesday.com, we’re all about celebrating bold flavors and vibrant experiences. Today, we bring you a recipe that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey: Grilled Adobo Chicken Drumsticks. These drumsticks are marinated in a rich adobo sauce with chipotle, grilled to perfection, and bursting with smoky, savory goodness. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Adobo Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken:
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the adobo marinade over the chicken, ensuring each drumstick is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create a two-zone cooking area.
- Grill the Drumsticks: Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the drumsticks on the grill, over direct heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and have grill marks.
- Finish Cooking: Move the drumsticks to indirect heat, cover the grill, and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Transfer the grilled adobo chicken drumsticks to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Adobo Chicken Drumsticks:
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Grill Temperature: Maintain a consistent grill temperature to ensure even cooking. If using a gas grill, adjust the burners accordingly.
- Charcoal Grill: For a smoky flavor, use hardwood charcoal and add wood chips to the coals.
Basting: Baste the drumsticks with leftover marinade during the first few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor.
These grilled adobo chicken drumsticks are perfect for any summer gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a casual get-together, or simply enjoying a family dinner, this recipe will surely impress your guests.
Pair them with your favorite taco sides and a refreshing beverage like our Summer Time Watermelon Lemonade Margarita, and you’re all set for a deliciously memorable meal.
Happy grilling from TacoTuesday.com!
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