Garlicy Saffron Baked Chicken Drumsticks

What do you think when the words “chicken drumsticks” either pops into mind or is heard in passing? Do you think annoying, slimy, boring chicken piece that consists of mainly bones or do you think leave and bake, hard to over-cook, tender and extremely valuable part of the chook that many people will fight over. No matter what your answer or thoughts you have, let me take you on a journey to share with you a very basic but very delicious recipe that is fit for kid friendly meals, late night dinner where the time is your enemy or the best snack/left over lunch.

Drumsticks are one of the easiest and most delicious cuts on our good friend Mr. Chicken. Funnily enough, it is the ugliest looking (in my eyes) but holds so much natural flavour compared with the chicken breast. The flavour comes from being close to the bone and with this in mind, this also means it is VERY hard to over cook and stuff up. The drumstick is super versatile - take it on a trip to Vietnam, Thailand, Africa, Italy, Korea, America, Australia or China and it will fit in perfectly. It laps up all and any ingredients you impart on it even without going to the lengths of making stuffing and ramming it under the skin of a whole chook.

Let’s speak flavours. Garlic - classic. Saffron - not so classic, partly because people are so hesitant to use it (even buy it) because it’s so expensive. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world to be fair as it costs between 30-60 Euros per gram. The reason for this high price is purely based on the labour-intensive, hand harvested production method. Originally the “Crocus Sativus flower” or other wise known as the “saffron crocus” was traced to having origins in Greece where farmers would pluck the flowers, dry them and then remove the stigma. The stigma form into thin thread structure and is what we use and call saffron. It is these threads that hold enormous health benefits for the human body and was originally used within the Greek medical world. These benefits include (source/ SOURCE UPDATED);

• mood boosting

• labido enhancing

• powerful antioxidant

• improves memory for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease

• treats depression

• reduces appetite and aids weight loss

• helps with symptoms of PMS

• may reduce heart disease

• can lower blood sugar levels

• may improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration

Let’s keep on the topic of money because this really seems to be the barrier between humans and a whole world of cooking with saffron. Do you know how much you need to flavour over a kilogram of chicken? Um, like not even a whole teaspoon… in my preferred measurements, a pinch. When you buy saffron, you may spend more than what most other herbs and spices cost but the few hundred grams you carry home, will last a long time. I am talking years and years (unless you’re using saffron in breakfast, lunch and dinner of course). A pinch of this is really nothing (maybe like 50 cents to 1 Euro?) but the impact this has is far reaching not only in colouring with its deep red and earthy notes but also to tingling those tastebuds of yours and igniting a truly unique experience for the belly.

Marinade overnight or not… saffron has the ability and strength to impart its flavours no matter how long it’s given. These chicken drumsticks are a time saver, taste pleaser and tummy tickler for all ages. This dish also provides the perfect balance of healthy and nutritious with tasty and delicious. For a close family dinner, left over lunches on salad or for any excuse to invite friends over, make when you want and they will be gone in a shot.

I hope you enjoy and take a snap + tag me on Instagram (@cecilevadas). I would love to see your creations.

xx

Garlicy Saffron Baked Chicken Drumsticks 

Ingredients

• 1 kg organic free range drumsticks

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 pinch saffron

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1 tbsp honey

• 6 thyme sprigs, extra for serving 

• 3 oregano sprigs, torn

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1/2 cup aioli

• Lemon for serving 

Method

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking tray with none stick parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, saffron, paprika, lemon juice, honey, thyme, removed from the stem, oregano and 2 of the garlic cloves. Place the drumsticks in the bowl and mix to coat in the marinade. 

Place on the baking tray and cook for 20-25 minutes or until skin is golden brown and the flesh turns white. Remove and plate in a serving platter. 

Mix the third garlic clove with the aioli. Serve alongside the drumsticks with extra sprigs of thyme.