FoodSimple secret to juicy chicken: The ketchup marinade magic

Simple secret to juicy chicken: The ketchup marinade magic

Are you looking for a quick, simple, and delicious dinner recipe? Be sure to try our marinated chicken drumsticks! This dish will delight both adults and children. Thanks to a unique marinade based on ketchup and honey, the meat is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

Instead of pouring it on sausages, I rub it on chicken.
Instead of pouring it on sausages, I rub it on chicken.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

Chicken drumsticks are a classic in the kitchen, satisfying the palates of both adults and children. They are easy to prepare while being full of flavor—no wonder they are a staple in almost every home chef's repertoire. In this recipe, the marinade with added ketchup plays a key role, making the meat juicy, tender, and aromatic. It is an ideal dish for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

Chicken drumsticks in ketchup marinade – a simple way to exceptional flavor

Chicken, especially its drumsticks, is one of the most popular choices for home meals. Why? First of all, they are relatively inexpensive, quick to prepare, and their delicate meat absorbs spices and flavors excellently.

In this recipe, the secret lies in the ketchup-based marinade, enhanced with honey and spices, making the chicken drumsticks juicy and full of deep flavor. Ketchup, which is usually associated with hot dogs or fries, plays the main role here, giving the meat a gentle sweetness and a subtle tang.

Recipe for chicken drumsticks in a sweet and spicy marinade

Ingredients:

                      
  • 3.7 lbs of chicken drumsticks
  • 2.5 cups of ketchup (preferably mild)
  • 0.5 cups of honey
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Spices: sweet paprika, hot paprika, a pinch of chili, freshly ground colorful pepper, dried oregano, herbes de Provence, basil, sea salt.

Preparation:

                  
  1. In a bowl, thoroughly mix ketchup, honey, pressed garlic, and all the spices.
  2. Wash and dry the chicken drumsticks and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Mix everything thoroughly so each piece of meat is coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and place them in the dish. Drizzle with the remaining marinade.
  4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and golden.

Chicken drumsticks in ketchup marinade are the perfect combination of simplicity and depth of flavor. The sweetness of honey, the tanginess of ketchup, and the richness of aromatic spices make this dish stand out from other meat dishes. It's also a great way to use ingredients that you usually have in your kitchen.

Moreover, preparing this dish does not require much effort or special culinary skills. It's the perfect choice for a quick dinner, family gatherings, or a home party.

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