Blood Orange and Ginger Chicken Drumsticks

Blood oranges are really having a moment right now. They are in season now and just too gorgeous not to use in EVERYTHING. So of course I had to create this blood orange and ginger chicken drumsticks recipe to give you something incredible to Instagram. I wanted to make a recipe with blood oranges so badly that I went to buy them at the grocery store an hour away. On a Sunday. At noon. Which is the worst time in the world to go to the grocery store. But I braved the crowds to get these gorgeous oranges because making something beautiful to share with you was so important to me!

I’ll be honest and tell you that I didn’t actually have a recipe in mind when I ventured out to buy these oranges. Once I got home I was brainstorming a creative way to use them. When I’m recipe brainstorming I like to go stand in front of my pantry and take in the smell of all the spices. It sounds silly but it really helps you pick out what spices are going to mix well together and what kind of flavor profile you are going to go for. Seriously go and try it now and you will see what I mean!

Ginger and citrus always go well together and I also had some fresh thyme in the fridge so I figured it was worth a shot to try them in a recipe together! After baking them I nervously sat a plate down in front of my husband for him to give his opinion. He is always honest with me when it comes to recipes and will tell me when it’s not something worth making again.

Well he ended up eating literally 6 drumsticks so I think that was a pretty sure sign that he loved them. They taste very similar to orange chicken you get at a Chinese restaurant except there isn’t any added sugar or other not so great ingredients. This delicious sweet and savory taste is all natural and made from whole food ingredients. Not to mention they look stunning if you go all out and bake it with slices of blood orange.

It is easy and delicious to make; the hardest part is slicing the citrus. This recipe is totally a show stopper. You can make it to impress your friends or your mom if you want! Everyone will think it was a lot more effort than it actually was. Don’t worry I promise not to tell how easy it really was!

Let me know what you think and share your pictures of it with my on Instagram with #thesimplesupper!

5 from 5 votes

Print

Citrus and Thyme Chicken Drumsticks

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Marinating Time

20 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

These blood orange and ginger chicken drumsticks come together so easily, but look like a real show stopper. This recipe is great to serve to company or for when you want a little more excitement in your week night dinner rotation. A mix of blood oranges, ginger, and thyme gives it a zesty, tang that will leave you wanting seconds.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 652 kcal

Author: Hayley

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Chicken Drumsticks About 8 pieces
• 1 Blood Orange Juice
• 1 Blood Orange Zest
• 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme 1 Tsp Dried
• 1/2 Tbsp Ground Ginger
• 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Tbsp Salt
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 2 Blood Oranges for garnish if desired

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper or tin foil.

2. Pat all drumsticks dry and place in a large mixing bowl. 

3. Whisk together orange juice and zest with thyme, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Pour over drumsticks and mix well with your hands to evenly cover the chicken in the marinade. Let marinade in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.

4. Shake off drumsticks and assemble on the pan. I like to pour the marinade over the chicken once I have them lined on the pan. Then assemble orange slices around the chicken for garnish if desired.

5. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. I like to pop them under the broiler for 3-4 minutes after to give them that nice, browned look.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If blood oranges are out of season or you aren't able to access them, any kind of orange will work in it's place for the juice and zest.