Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to prepare? Look no further! This recipe for chicken drumsticks and potatoes is a winner for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy dinner without sacrificing taste or simplicity. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – satisfying, budget-friendly, and surprisingly adaptable. This recipe is your go-to for quick dinner ideas, featuring the best recipes for a simple yet impressive meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 lb small potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken drumsticks. Peel and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Mince the garlic. This simple prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Marinate (Optional but Recommended):
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken drumsticks in a mixture of olive oil, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the refrigerator). This step adds depth of flavor to your healthy meal.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables:
In a large roasting pan, toss the chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer. Roasting the vegetables separately initially ensures they become tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Chicken:
Place the marinated (or unmarinated) chicken drumsticks on top of the roasted vegetables. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken. Sprinkle with the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection:
Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure this.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy dish!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken drumsticks retain more moisture during cooking, resulting in juicier meat.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor profile. Consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or other herbs you enjoy.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: For even easier cleanup, use a baking sheet instead of a roasting pan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, a general estimate per serving could be:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy chicken drumstick and potato recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!