Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken drumsticks with flavorful roasted vegetables, creating a hearty meal that delights everyone. Ideal for meal prep, it stores well and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set this dish in the oven and relax while it cooks.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of herbs and spices enhances the chicken and veggies, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the juicy chicken and tasty veggies, making it a hit at dinner tables.

Tools and Preparation

To make Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything cooks perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting pan: A good roasting pan allows even cooking and browning of both the chicken and vegetables.
• Whisk: This tool is perfect for combining ingredients like olive oil and spices evenly.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping veggies quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Protects your surfaces while ensuring safe food prep.

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Ingredients

Main:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 500g potatoes, chopped into chunks
• 300g carrots, cut into thick pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper

Topping:

• Chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F). This ensures your dish cooks evenly from the beginning.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. In a large roasting pan, arrange the chicken drumsticks, potato chunks, and carrot pieces.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the roasting pan.
2. Toss everything together until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 4: Roast Everything Together

Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 45-50 minutes.
– Halfway through cooking, turn the vegetables to ensure they brown evenly.
– The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked when done.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, remove from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

Serving Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the hearty drumsticks and veggies.

Serve with Quinoa or Rice

• Fluffy quinoa or rice makes for a great base. The grains soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and veggies, making for a satisfying dish.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Consider serving a tangy yogurt dip or a zesty chimichurri sauce on the side. These sauces can complement the roasted flavors wonderfully.

Include Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread can help round out the meal. Use it to mop up any delicious juices left on your plate.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling additional chopped herbs like basil or cilantro on top just before serving adds brightness and color to your dish.

How to Perfect Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

Perfecting your Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies is simple when you keep a few tips in mind.

• Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour enhances the flavor profile.
• Use Evenly Cut Vegetables: Chop your veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. This ensures everything is perfectly tender.
• Turn Vegetables Midway: Turning the vegetables halfway through roasting helps them brown evenly and develop delicious caramelization.
• Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add different spices like cumin or chili powder for added depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies pairs well with several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that complements the roasted chicken perfectly.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Bright green steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch and balances out the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze bring an added crunch and flavor contrast.

4. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing crunch alongside the hearty main dish.

5. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, offers a delightful sweetness that works beautifully with savory flavors.

6. Couscous Salad
   Light couscous mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon juice makes for a vibrant side dish bursting with freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Take time to let the chicken soak in the olive oil and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many ingredients in one pan can cause uneven cooking. Ensure there is enough space between the drumsticks and veggies for proper heat circulation.
• Neglecting to turn the vegetables: Forgetting to turn the veggies halfway through can lead to uneven roasting. Make it a habit to give them a good toss midway for better caramelization.
• Ignoring doneness: Relying solely on cooking time without checking for doneness can result in undercooked chicken. Always use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
• Using old spices: Using outdated spices can diminish flavor. Always check your spice freshness and replace any that have lost their potency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies that may help you.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to swap out carrots and potatoes for other hearty vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). A meat thermometer is an excellent tool for this.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time, marinate your chicken, and then bake when you’re ready.

What sides pair well with Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies?

Consider serving it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These drumsticks reheat well and make for delicious meal prep options throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Veggies is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by changing up the vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!