Dinner

Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 8 Chicken Drumsticks; 1/2 tbsp. Dried Rosemary; 1/4 tbsp. Dried Parsley; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Pepper; 2 Tbsp Olive oil; 8 Bacon Slices

KrystelMay 5, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Sizzling Success: Easy Bacon-wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

Introduction to Bacon-Wrapped Drumsticks

Hi there! I'm diving into something utterly delicious and irresistibly trendy today: bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks. Have you seen these beauties lighting up your feeds on TikTok? They're all the rage, and for good reason. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces swathed in a crispy bacon cover, taking your usual chicken lollipops to a whole new level. It's not just about the mouth-watering combination of flavors, but it's also a fantastic way to make a statement main dish that's as eye-catching as it is appetizing.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "That sounds complex." But hear me out. This delicious recipe promises a journey into a delightful culinary experiment that's not just rewarding but packed with fun. Cooking should bring joy, after all. With simple ingredients like olive oil, slices of bacon, and a few spices, I'm going to show you how an easy afternoon in the kitchen can result in a dish your friends and family won't stop talking about. The best thing? It's surprisingly simple, and I'll walk you through every step.

Key Takeaways:

Bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks are a trendy and flavorful main dish, popular on social platforms like TikTok.
Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible to all, regardless of cooking skill.
Perfect for gatherings, this dish promises to be a conversation starter, bringing joy and deliciousness to the table.

What You'll Need

Oh, the joy of gathering what you'll need to embark on this culinary adventure. Ensuring your kitchen counter is teeming with the right mix of ingredients is akin to an artist selecting their palette before the first stroke on the canvas. You’ll need olive oil to coat, slices of bacon to wrap, and that chicken waiting to be transformed into a mouth-watering masterpiece. Don’t shy away from sprinkling a dash of garlic powder or dribbling some hot sauce for that kick of flavor. A brush of bbq sauce can elevate this dish to new heights, creating a succulent glaze that’s simply irresistible.

Imagining sides to accompany our main dish? Think of brussels sprouts or red onions tossed in the same oven, soaking up the drool-worthy drippings, or perhaps a paper towel-dried slice of bacon served on the side for that extra crunch. This ensemble is not just food; it’s a melody, each component adding depth and character to your plate.

Prepping Your Chicken

Getting started on these bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks is a breeze, but there are a few key steps you'll want to follow to ensure they turn out perfectly. First, take your chicken pieces – those plump, juicy drumsticks – and let's give them a little prep talk. You'll want to carefully remove the chicken skin. Yes, it might seem like a tedious step, but trust me, it's worth it for that ultimate wrap of crisp bacon later on.

Now, with a sharp knife, we're going to do something that feels a bit like a kitchen secret. Gently make small incisions in the meat, or you can choose to pierce the chicken several times. This isn't just to pass time while you daydream about the delicious outcome; it's a crucial step for two reasons: it helps the chicken cook more evenly, and it's a fantastic way for those delightful flavors we're going to add later to really seep into the meat, making every bite a taste revelation. So, let's get those drumsticks ready for their bacon wrap and a trip to flavor town!

Seasoning & Adding Flavor

Once we've prepped our chicken pieces, transforming them into succulent chicken lollipops, it's time to dive into what I consider the best thing about cooking: seasoning and adding flavor. Now, this is where the magic happens, folks. Grab your olive oil, a good pinch of black pepper, and let's not forget the importance of balancing flavors with a little salt. Drizzle those chicken drumsticks with olive oil—it's like laying down the perfect canvas for our masterpiece.

But it's not just about the olive oil, oh no. This is where we sprinkle in some creativity with your dried herbs. Imagine the aroma of dried rosemary mingling in the air, accompanied by the subtle hint of dried parsley. This concoction isn't just seasoning; it's an aromatic journey. I always say, don't hold back. Season those chicken pieces generously, ensuring every bit gets a good coat. It makes all the difference, truly elevating those tender chicken drumsticks into a main dish that sings with flavor.

Wrapping with Bacon

Now, let's talk about wrapping those chicken drumsticks with bacon, a step that transforms your main dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I've found this to be a great way to keep the chicken moist and add a crispy bacon layer that everyone seems to adore. You'll want to grab a slice of bacon - or a rasher of bacon, as some might say - and carefully wrap it around each drumstick. Make sure the bacon covers as much surface area as possible. This isn’t just about making the chicken pieces look good (although, let’s be honest, they’ll look fantastic); it’s about ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.

If you’re using an air fryer or planning to pop these bacon-wrapped drumsticks into the oven, remember that the bacon not only adds flavor but also protects the chicken from drying out at higher temperatures. Once wrapped, place the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for an easy cleanup, or directly on the grill for that smoky flavor. The key here is to achieve that perfect dish with tender chicken drumsticks inside and crispy bacon on the outside. And believe me, once you've mastered this easy way to elevate your chicken, you'll want to make these bacon-wrapped chicken legs the centerpiece of your next gathering.

Baking Techniques & Tips

Let's turn up the heat and get these delicious bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks ready to dazzle. First things first, heat your oven to a cozy 375 degrees F, a perfect temperature for ensuring our chicken gets cooked through without losing any of that precious juiciness. Now, I know we're all eager to see these beauties get all crispy and golden, but patience, my friends. We're going to start off by covering our baking tray with some foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup – because, let's be honest, nobody likes scrubbing pans. Place your chicken on the baking sheet, making sure there's a bit of space between each drumstick for even cooking.

Once they're all snuggled in, pop them into the oven and let them bake. Here's where it gets a bit technical: after about 30 minutes, you'll want to carefully remove that foil. This part is crucial because it's what gives us that crispy bacon we're all dreaming about. Then, let them bake for another 30 minutes or so, until the bacon is perfectly crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. Don't have a meat thermometer? This might be a good call to add one to your kitchen arsenal. They're a simple tool, but oh, they make life so much easier.

Last tip from me: if you're after that extra crunch, don't be afraid to broil your drumsticks for the final 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, though – at these higher temperatures, things can go from golden to charred quicker than you can say 'bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks'!

Finishing Touches & Presentation

After those drumsticks are gorgeously wrapped and perfectly cooked, it's time to give them the spotlight they deserve. Place the chicken on a beautiful platter, maybe one that you’ve been saving for a special occasion. This is where you can get creative with fresh herbs - think rosemary, thyme, or even parsley for a pop of color and an extra hint of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Now, for that irresistibly crispy bacon finish, a quick broil is your best friend. Keep a keen eye on them; we want crispy, not charred, after all. And what’s a main dish without some dipping action? Whether it’s barbecue sauce infused with a touch of honey, a spicy hot sauce, or even a maple syrup glaze for that sweet-and-savory vibe, these sauces can elevate the dish to new heights. So, go ahead, make it a feast to remember!

A Flavorful Finale

I hope you've enjoyed diving into the delicious world of bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks with me. Now, I want to encourage you to put your own twist on this recipe. Mixing in your favorite spices or a dash of hot sauce can turn this dish into something uniquely yours. Don't hesitate to share your culinary adventures with us. It's such a joy to see how these recipes come to life in your kitchen and become a part of your gatherings with family and friends. And if you find yourself with leftovers, remember they taste just as amazing the next day. Just pop them in the air fryer to bring back that irresistible crispiness. Happy cooking!

Looking for other great chicken recipes? Check out my Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks!