Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a zesty lime and garlic mixture, then wood-fired or grilled to smoky perfection. This brazilian ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, lime juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 chicken drumsticks to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or wood-fired oven to medium-high heat (around 425°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill, cooking for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until skin is charred in spots and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a serving platter and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Brazilian Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Garlic?

Brazilian brazilian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes