These Spicy Cancun Drumsticks deliver a perfect balance of heat and savory flavor, making them an ideal weeknight dinner or party appetizer. The chicken is coated in a crunchy mixture of cornmeal and flour, enhanced with a blend of cumin, oregano, and red pepper sauce for a distinct Tex-Mex kick. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these drumsticks are easy to prepare using simple pantry staples. They pair wonderfully with fresh salsa, lime wedges, or a side of Mexican rice. Whether you are looking for a quick family meal or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful experience that brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen.
Spicy Cancun Drumsticks
Description
These Spicy Cancun Drumsticks deliver a perfect balance of heat and savory flavor, making them an ideal weeknight dinner or party appetizer. The chicken is coated in a crunchy mixture of cornmeal and flour, enhanced with a blend of cumin, oregano, and red pepper sauce for a distinct Tex-Mex kick. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these drumsticks are easy to prepare using simple pantry staples. They pair wonderfully with fresh salsa, lime wedges, or a side of Mexican rice. Whether you are looking for a quick family meal or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful experience that brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
-
Spray a 13x9-inch rectangular baking pan with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray.
-
Remove skin and excess fat from the chicken drumsticks.
-
In a large plastic bag, combine flour, cornmeal, oregano, basil, cumin, salt, and ground cloves.
-
In a small bowl, mix together buttermilk and red pepper sauce.
-
Dip each chicken drumstick into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
-
Place the coated drumstick into the bag with the dry ingredients and shake vigorously to coat evenly.
-
Place the coated drumsticks in the prepared baking pan.
-
Lightly spray the chicken with vegetable oil or drizzle with 2 teaspoons of oil.
-
Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 855.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 50.4g78%
- Saturated Fat 10.7g54%
- Cholesterol 178.5mg60%
- Sodium 2617.4mg110%
- Total Carbohydrate 32.0g11%
- Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 58.5g117%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Microwave Variation: Spray a 12x7-1/2x2-inch microwavable dish with vegetable oil. Arrange drumsticks with thickest parts to the outside edges. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 8 to 12 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through, until juices run clear.
Storage: Store leftover cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F to maintain crispiness.
Substitution: If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1/3 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry spice mixture.
