Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe had inspiration from several sources. Several years ago a friend introduced me to some amazing lemon-pepper wings from a local restaurant. Later I determined to try to make them myself. So I started a series of experiments to invent my own lemon pepper wings recipe. Then, this week when chicken drumsticks were on sale and hubby was actually going to be home for dinner and it wasn't going to be so hot that I was avoiding the oven, I decided I wanted to try this recipe from PioneerWoman. But as I read the recipe I realized my tender-tongued children would probably not go for it - too spicy, plus I didn't have any of the "Hot Salt" called for in the recipe. So, I opted to combine a bit of her technique with the lemon-pepper wing seasoning I had tried.

Mmmm. They made the house smell aammaazzing!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
(printable recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 large package chicken drumsticks (aprox. 10)
• 1 stick butter
• ¼ Cup lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp Lemon & Pepper seasoning salt
• 1 Tbsp Salt Free Lemon & Pepper seasoning

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°.
2. Melt butter in small skillet or saucepan.*
3. Pour in lemon juice, and both Lemon & Pepper seasonings. Stir. Turn off heat.
   
4. Place rack on foil lined baking sheet (much easier clean up).
5. Spray rack with non-stick spray.
6. Using tongs, transfer chicken legs, one at a time, to butter mixture. Turn to coat. Place on rack.
7. When all legs are coated, use a small brush to coat with additional mixture. (The seasoning tends to collect at the bottom, and the extra coating adds more flavor!)
8. Bake for 30-45 minutes until juices run clear and digital probe thermometer reads 180°.
9. If you have additional seasoning left, you may want to coat them again half way through your cooking time.
   

Notes:
This easily served my family of 4 with a few leftover for lunches.
* I found that it was easier to coat the chicken in a small skillet than in a small saucepan.


For more great recipes visit:
Tempt My Tummy @ Blessed With Grace
Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff