African Spice Rubbed Drumsticks with Banana Boats

Transform your dinner table into a bold culinary adventure with these African Spice Rubbed Drumsticks paired with irresistibly indulgent Banana Boats. Juicy chicken drumsticks are coated in a fragrant blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a smoky, savory explosion of flavor. The perfect accompaniment is a sweet and gooey dessert—ripe bananas stuffed with rich dark chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy crushed nuts, all grilled to golden perfection. This recipe is a vibrant balance of savory heat and caramelized sweetness, making it an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. With just 20 minutes of prep, this dish is ideal for summer BBQs or a flavorful weeknight treat, serving up a taste of Africa alongside a deliciously innovative dessert.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pieces ripe bananas
• 4 dark chocolate squares
• 0.5 cup mini marshmallows
• 0.25 cup crushed nuts (e.g., peanuts or walnuts)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and rub them with olive oil to coat evenly.

Step 4

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks, rubbing it in to ensure they are evenly seasoned.

Step 5

Place the drumsticks on the grill or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

While the drumsticks are cooking, prepare the banana boats. Slice each banana down the middle lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently pull the opening apart to create a pocket.

Step 7

Stuff each banana with a square of dark chocolate, a sprinkle of mini marshmallows, and a spoonful of crushed nuts.

Step 8

Wrap each banana in aluminum foil, leaving the top slightly open to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Place the banana boats on the grill or in the oven during the last 10 minutes of cooking the drumsticks. Cook until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are soft and golden.

Step 10

Serve the spice-rubbed drumsticks hot alongside the warm and gooey banana boats for a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1503.6 grams (1503.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3055

Total Fat 168.20g	216%
Saturated Fat 55.90g	280%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 744mg	248%
Sodium 4139mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate 199.80g	73%
Dietary Fiber 31.50g	113%
Total Sugars 103.50g
Protein 199.20g	398%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 309mg	24%
Iron 29mg	159%
Potassium 4799mg	102%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 25.7%