The Not-So Starving Student—Chicken Drumsticks Three Ways

Meal prep can be a pain. Especially when you have to figure out which protein pairs with which vegetables, and what spices should go with which meal. When you pile on homework, midterm exams and term paper deadlines, meal prep can be the last thing on AU students’ minds. After finishing my first degree, I realized that what students crave in meals is quality (healthy and delicious) that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Eggs are an excellent source of protein in that regard. There are many ways to prepare and season eggs without exchanging time for food or nutrient quality. But what happens when you’ve prepared eggs for an entire week’s worth of meals? You crave other sources of protein. A second protein on the menu that fits is chicken drumsticks. Some of the best chicken drumsticks I’ve had required surprisingly simple ingredients and easy preparation. There are three go-to recipes that I have used when exam season rolls around.

B&B drumsticks (breaded and baked)

This is a personal creation of mine adapted for the busy students’ schedule. I featured this dish at a family dinner once and caught the attention of peers who asked for the recipe. Upon realizing how simple this dish was to master, many have integrated this recipe into their weekly meal prep.

Ingredients:

6 Chicken drumsticks
6 unsalted soda crackers
1 tsp Pepper
2 tsp Onion salt
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp Cumin (optional)
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

STEP 1: Crunch the 6 unsalted soda crackers in a bowl and combine with pepper, onion salt, garlic and cumin (if desired)

STEP 2: marinade with the chicken drumsticks inside a ziplock bag for 30 minutes

STEP 3: Place drumsticks evenly on a baking sheet and cook at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Honey Mustard drumsticks

This recipe I learned from a family friend has taken me by surprise. When sitting down at Christmas dinner, I learned to make a dish that would save my dinner plans on multiple occasions.

Ingredients:

11 Chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp mustard
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp parsley (optional)

STEP 1: mix all ingredients except drumsticks in a separate bowl

STEP 2: brush sauce onto drumsticks evenly coating its exterior

STEP 3: place drumsticks onto baking sheet and cook at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes

Hainan drumsticks

For more experienced student chefs who are looking for a blast of flavor, the Hainan chicken is simple to make and adds some complex flavors to your everyday meals.

Ingredients: