If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, tender juiciness, and a touch of homemade magic, let me introduce you to Mom’s Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Onion-Mayo Marinade Recipe. This recipe takes basic chicken drumsticks and elevates them with a wonderfully creamy, tangy marinade packed with pureed onion and mayonnaise, delivering a golden, crispy skin and meat that’s fall-off-the-bone tender. The careful balance of seasoning ensures every bite is a celebration of flavors that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together to create the perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy mayonnaise that adds moisture and richness to the pureed onion that infuses a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade.
- Chicken drumsticks (4 1/2 to 5 lbs): The star of the dish, offering juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin when baked right.
- Medium yellow onion (pureed): Adds natural sweetness and depth, tenderizing the chicken while soaking in flavor.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Provides creaminess and helps the marinade cling to the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle spice and warmth to balance the marinade’s creaminess.
- Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out chicken’s natural flavors.
- Optional Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce (1 to 2 tablespoons): Adds a playful kick of heat and complexity if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Mom’s Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Onion-Mayo Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by blending a medium yellow onion until it’s smooth and creamy—this is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. In a bowl, combine the pureed onion with mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and if you like a touch of heat, add the Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a thick, luscious marinade that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl, then pour the onion-mayo marinade over them. Using your hands or a spoon, ensure every piece is well coated. This step guarantees that each drumstick soaks up the marinade’s flavors, promising juicy, succulent meat when baked.
Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, or even overnight if you can plan ahead. This resting time allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the chicken, tenderizing it and intensifying the flavor profile.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Preparing everything in advance means a smooth cooking process without any last-minute scramble.
Step 5: Bake the Drumsticks
Arrange the chicken drumsticks skin-side up on the baking sheet, ensuring they have some space to cook evenly. Bake for 45 minutes; this slow roasting allows the skin to become beautifully golden while the meat stays moist inside.
Step 6: Flip and Crisp
After the initial baking time, flip the drumsticks to allow even cooking on the other side, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. For an irresistible crispy finish, broil the drumsticks for 3 minutes — but watch closely to avoid burning. This final step transforms each drumstick into a crispy, golden delight that everyone will love.
How to Serve Mom’s Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Onion-Mayo Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the warm drumsticks instantly brightens the presentation and adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that complements the rich marinade without overpowering it. A simple garnish like this elevates the dish’s visual appeal and aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the meal. The savory and juicy chicken pairs wonderfully with both hearty and lighter sides, making every forkful balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard on the side. For a family dinner, plate them alongside colorful steamed veggies and fluffy rice, or jazz things up by shredding leftover drumsticks into tacos or wraps the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days and make for a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze fully cooled drumsticks in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the drumsticks in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their juicy texture without drying out the meat, unlike microwaving which can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a similar texture and will absorb the onion-mayo marinade beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook fully.
Do I have to use mayonnaise in the marinade?
Mayonnaise is key for the creamy, rich texture it brings and helps the marinade cling to the chicken. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Can I prepare this recipe without onion puree?
The pureed onion is crucial for tenderizing and flavor, but if you’re out of onions, finely grated onion or onion powder can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight gives the best flavor infusion and tenderness, at least 6 hours is sufficient. For a time crunch, even a couple of hours will still yield tasty results.
How do I get the skin extra crispy?
The broiling step at the end is your best friend for crispy skin, but make sure to keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Also, patting drumsticks dry before applying the marinade can help promote crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Mom’s Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Onion-Mayo Marinade Recipe is such a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a special occasion without any complicated steps. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you crave that irresistible combination of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite to add to your regular rotation!
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Mom’s Juicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Onion-Mayo Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes + 6 to 8 hours marinating
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mom’s Chicken Drumsticks is a flavorful, easy-to-make oven-baked chicken recipe featuring a tangy marinade of pureed onion, mayonnaise, and spices. Perfectly baked to achieve a crispy skin and juicy interior, this classic comfort dish is ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
- 4 1/2 to 5 lbs chicken drumsticks
Marinade
- 1 medium yellow onion (pureed)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the pureed yellow onion, mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and if desired, 1 to 2 tablespoons of Jamaica me sweet hot and crazy sauce. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large mixing bowl and evenly coat them with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well covered for maximum flavor infusion.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake the Drumsticks: Arrange the marinated drumsticks skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp and the meat to cook through.
- Flip and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, flip the drumsticks to the other side and bake for an additional 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on desired spice level.
- Broiling time may vary depending on oven; watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
