Grilled Chicken Shawarma Drumsticks
Posted: 06/04/2018
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These flavorful grilled chicken shawarma drumsticks are going to become a summertime favorite! With the flavors of chicken shawarma that you know and love, you’ll be putting this recipe into regular rotation!
We moved to the Grand Rapids area of Michigan about two years ago. It’s the place I called home for the majority of my life and we absolutely love it here. The food scene is great in Grand Rapids, with new restaurants popping up frequently and many restaurants where you’ll find a two hour wait because they’re so hot.
However, we came from the East side of the state, a more diverse area, full of fantastic ethnic food – Middle Eastern in particular. Ben grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and also worked there for four years. Dearborn has a very large Arab American population, so the food is authentic and so delicious.
Before I married Ben and moved to that area, I had little to no exposure to this type of food. Now, it’s my favorite. I crave fattoush like other people crave ice cream. Lebanese red lentil soup is what I crave when I have a sore throat, and losing the ability to keep hummus in the house when we found out about N’s allergy to sesame was a very sad day (although my tahini-free hummus helps satisfy the craving!). Not to mention delicious tahini sauce, which is most definitely a no-no these days.
Chicken shawarma, shish tawook, and chicken kofta are some of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken. Oh, and I love tabbouleh and cucumber tzatziki sauce! So many favorites these days from living there for 8 years.
I try to bring these flavors into my recipes frequently because I love them so much, and I know they’re popular with a lot of you, too! These grilled chicken shawarma drumsticks are perfect for summer grilling and they’re so easy to make with less than 30 minutes hands-on time.
About these drumsticks
Drumsticks are inexpensive, kids love them, and they’re perfect for a busy summer night. Serve them with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, rice, salad…basically anything at all. If you don’t feel like grilling, Herb Roasted Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes is a sheet pan dinner that bakes in the oven. Or try easy chicken drumsticks in your air fryer for crisp juicy results every time.
The base of this flavorful marinade is lemon and olive oil, accentuated by the spices you’d expect in shawarma: Garlic, paprika, turmeric, pepper, cumin, coriander. If you like things on the spicy side, try adding some cayenne to the marinade.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
These flavorful grilled chicken shawarma drumsticks are going to become a summertime favorite! With the flavors of chicken shawarma that you know and love, you'll be putting this recipe into regular rotation!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon, juiced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, optional
- 12 chicken drumsticks (4-5 lbs)
- Cilantro and lemon if desired for serving
Instructions
- In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, turmeric, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cayenne.
- Add marinade to drumsticks (I use a zip-top bag but a bowl or baking dish would work as well). Let marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
- When ready to grill, heat grill to medium heat. Remove drumsticks from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place drumsticks on grill and cover grill. Grill for 18-20 minutes, turning once, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition Information calculated with 1 tablespoon olive oil since most of the marinade is discarded.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2drumsticks, Calories: 433kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 44g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 231mg, Sodium: 533mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Laura says
I loved this recipe. I did grill the chicken for longer as I’m always afraid of undercooking, and I basted with extra sauce and marinated trying to out done marinade under the skin. Served with the suggested cilantro lime rice and sautéed snow peas. The only downside is I try nit to eat chicken skin but in this case it was so yummy I had to! Family enjoyed.
Rachel Gurk says
So happy to hear you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot to me!
Donna says
Made this recipe today for dinner. Marinated the chicken for 6 hours ,cooked on the grill. Will definitely make this recipe again. Was a nice change . Thanks for a great recipe !
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Bink says
Easy and utterly delish, i marinated overnight too.
I love Middle Eastern food, saving this recipe as i will def remake.
Thank you
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Brenda says
If you enjoy flavorful chicken, skip this recipe. I used five pounds of drumsticks as stated. I chose to use two reasons of salt, followed everything else exact. Marinated overnight. I expected a lot more flavor but was disappointed. I would double the slices and maybe that would help.
Rachel Gurk says
That hasn’t been my experience at all with this recipe, sorry to hear you feel that way.
Homayra says
These were EXCELLENT. Very crispy and lovely taste for the summer. I added a bit of cinnamon as well, which worked well. Thank you!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked them! Love the addition of cinnamon.
Kara Plantinga says
Made these just as posted. I did thrown in a chicken breast, because my husband doesn’t like dark meat. The kids and hubby all liked it. As a bonus, I loved the leftover drumsticks cold for lunch the next day. Yay! I made it with cilantro lime rice and asparagus. Perfect summertime dinner!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked these! The leftovers are great cold, you’re right!
Becky Schrotenboer says
Yummy! Teen son LOVED!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Beki says
So so good!! Did a mixed pack of drumsticks and thighs! And with the leftovers shredded off the bone and made pita pocket Sammie’s with a tzatziki sauce!!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad you liked them! I looooove your repurpose of the leftovers….sounds amazing, can’t wait to try that myself!
Denise says
wow! sounds fun to eat.
Rachel Gurk says
Definitely! Thanks Denise!
Bonnie says
Sounds yummy. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you love it!