Hands up if you love quick meals. Some days there simply isn’t time for long prep—no chopping, stirring, sautéing or simmering—yet you still want something tasty on the table. This oven “grilled” chicken is perfect for those moments.
The prep takes about 10 minutes. You can rub the spice mix on the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, or you can grill it right away if you’re short on time. The flavors are still excellent even without a long marinade. For maximum convenience, prepare and season the chicken the night before, or season in the morning and cook in the evening.
This version uses dried spices—garlic powder, ginger powder and paprika—to create a crisp, flavorful crust on the outside. If you prefer, substitute fresh garlic and ginger and add herbs like parsley, basil or a touch of rosemary. If you like heat, add cayenne; I usually omit the heat because my kids avoid peppery aromas.
I often serve the chicken with fried ripe plantains or fried potatoes for a quick family dinner. It’s a kid-friendly meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
How to make perfect grilled chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken and patting it dry. Drumsticks are used here, but thighs work equally well.
These are the spices and seasonings used for the rub:
Make a dry mix of the spices and seasonings, then rub generously over the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight, or proceed to the oven immediately. Place the seasoned pieces on a tray and let the oven do the work.
Let the chicken roast until golden and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite sauce—pepper sauce is a great accompaniment if you want extra heat that the chicken itself doesn’t have.
This chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and full of flavor. Enjoy!
Perfect Grilled Chicken
10 mins
50 mins
1 hr
15 servings
Ingredients
- 5 pounds chicken drumsticks, rinsed and patted dry (about 2.5 kg)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 small Maggi cubes (or substitute chicken bouillon powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the spices and seasonings. Add the chicken and rub the mixture evenly over each piece. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight, or cook immediately.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken on a baking tray and roast for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the skin is golden brown and the meat is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 2 g |
Protein: 18 g |
Fat: 10 g
Additional Info
Mention @preciouscore or tag #PreciousCore!
If you make this recipe, please share a photo on social media and tag @preciouscore — I’d love to see your results!