Easy Baked Chicken – Pollo Al Horno
These Dominican-inspired baked drumsticks capture the flavors of NYC’s classic Dominican rotisserie chicken. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make at home, they bring the taste of the city to your kitchen.
Growing up in New York City, Dominican rotisserie chicken was one of those quintessential meals you could find at any local spot. The smell alone would stop you in your tracks, drawing you into those bustling kitchens where the flavors of lime, garlic, and herbs blended beautifully. This baked drumstick recipe is my take on that iconic dish – delivering all the same bold flavors but without the rotisserie. Perfectly juicy, crispy, and loaded with Dominican flair, it’s the comfort food I crave when I think of home.
The Connection Between Dominican Food and NYC:
New York City is home to one of the largest Dominican communities outside of the Dominican Republic. Over the decades, Dominican immigrants have brought their culinary traditions to neighborhoods like Washington Heights, the Bronx, and Queens, creating a vibrant food scene that reflects the flavors of home. Dominican cuisine in NYC is more than just food – it’s a cultural touchstone, a way for families to stay connected to their roots while sharing their heritage with others.
I moved to Washington Heights at the age of 9, and it was there that I began to learn more about myself and the foods I love. Being surrounded by Dominican culture and cuisine gave me a deep appreciation for the flavors that have become such an essential part of my cooking today. Dominican rotisserie chicken, or “pollo asado,” became a staple because of its simplicity, affordability, and mouthwatering flavor. Walk into any Dominican restaurant in NYC, and you’ll be greeted by the sight of golden-brown chickens spinning in rotisseries, their aromas filling the air. The use of citrus, garlic, and herbs creates a distinct and unforgettable flavor profile that embodies the heart of Dominican cooking.
The beauty of Dominican food in NYC lies in its accessibility and communal nature. It’s food that brings people together, often served with classic sides like rice and beans, potato salad, tostones, or fried plantains. This recipe is a nod to that experience, capturing the essence of those local restaurants and the comfort they provide.
What You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 dozen chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 tbsp complete seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp oregano
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp mashed garlic
- 1/2 cup lime juice or bitter orange juice
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (freshly cracked or ground)
How to Prepare:
For the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken:
Clean the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry. Drizzle with oil, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Generously season the chicken with complete seasoning, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat the drumsticks thoroughly, getting the seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor. - Let it Marinate:
Cover the drumsticks and marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. - Bake the Drumsticks:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your oven. - Air Fryer Option:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked, flipping halfway through.
For the Sauce:
- Cook the Garlic:
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mashed garlic and stir for about a minute, being careful not to burn it. - Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the lime or bitter orange juice and 1 cup of water. Add the parsley and let the mixture simmer over low heat until it reduces by half. - Season to Taste:
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. - Serve:
Drizzle the sauce over the baked drumsticks or serve it on the side for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Bold and Zesty Flavors: The combination of lime, garlic, and seasonings mirrors the essence of Dominican rotisserie chicken.
- Juicy and Crispy: Baking or air frying gives you crispy skin and tender meat without needing a rotisserie.
- Simple Yet Flavorful: This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
Dominican-Inspired Baked Drumsticks
Ingredients
For the drumsticks:
- 1 dozen chicken drumsticks
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 tbsp complete seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp oregano ground or dry oregano works
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4-6 garlic cloves mashed
- 1/2 cup lime juice or bitter orange juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup parsely finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt or more, to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked or ground
Instructions
- For the chicken drumsticks:
- Clean the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry. Drizzle with oil, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Generously season the chicken with complete seasoning, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat the drumsticks thoroughly, getting the seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Cover the drumsticks and marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your oven.
To cook in airfryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked, flipping halfway through.
For the sauce:
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mashed garlic and stir for about a minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the lime or bitter orange juice and 1 cup of water. Add the parsley and let the mixture simmer over low heat until it reduces by half.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Drizzle the sauce over the baked drumsticks or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicier kick.
- Chicken Options: This marinade works well with chicken thighs, wings, or even a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with tostones, rice and beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a full Dominican-inspired meal.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy skin. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: The drumsticks can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed above.
