Easy Quick One Dish Chicken Drumsticks Dinner Tonight!
This baked chicken recipe simplifies mealtime with a delicious and satisfying result. Chicken drumsticks, seasoned with savory herbs and spices, are baked alongside your favorite vegetables in a single pan, creating a complete and fuss-free dinner.
Equipment
- The following kitchen tools are essential for preparing "Quick one dish chicken drumsticks for dinner":
- Large Baking Sheet: A 13x18 inch baking sheet provides ample space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for tossing the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Necessary for seasoning the chicken drumsticks.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients for consistent results.
- Kitchen Tongs: Facilitates easy turning and arrangement of chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Meat Thermometer: Essential for verifying the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it is fully cooked (165F or 74C).
- Knife and Cutting Board: Required for chopping vegetables.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (Optional): For easy cleanup; lines the baking sheet.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Step 2: Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the quartered potatoes, onion wedges, sliced carrots, and broccoli florets.
- Step 3: Season Vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Step 5: Season Drumsticks: In a separate bowl, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season them generously with dried rosemary, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6: Add Drumsticks to Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks among the vegetables on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
- Step 8: Rest: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken. Tip: For extra crispy chicken skin, broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Substitute other vegetables based on preference, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
Notes
Variations
The recipe for “Quick one dish chicken drumsticks for dinner” can be easily adapted to suit various preferences and dietary requirements:
- Ingredient Swaps: The vegetables can be tailored to individual taste or seasonal availability. Consider using sweet potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers. Protein alternatives include bone-in chicken thighs or even sausages.
- Regional Twists:
- Mediterranean: Incorporate olives, feta cheese, lemon slices, and oregano.
- Mexican: Use a chili-lime seasoning blend, add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
- Asian: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, and add bok choy or snap peas.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Low-Carb/Keto: Focus on non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and bell peppers, and use a sugar-free seasoning blend.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all seasonings and spices are certified gluten-free. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using basic seasonings.
- Paleo: Omit potatoes and opt for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and use a seasoning blend compliant with paleo guidelines.
Serving Suggestions
Quick one dish chicken drumsticks for dinner” is best served immediately after baking to ensure optimal flavor and texture. It is a versatile dish suitable for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping. Consider the following serving suggestions:
- Serve directly from the baking sheet for a rustic presentation.
- Accompany the dish with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for added carbohydrates and fiber.
- Offer a complementary sauce, such as a garlic aioli, honey mustard, or chimichurri, to drizzle over the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a simple vinaigrette-dressed slaw for a balanced meal.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to preserve the freshness and flavor of “Quick one dish chicken drumsticks for dinner:”
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetables to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Reheating in the oven will help maintain a crispier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can the vegetables be prepared in advance?
Answer: Yes, the vegetables can be chopped and seasoned up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This significantly reduces preparation time on the day of cooking. - Question 2: How can the chicken skin be made crispier?
Answer: Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. For the last 5-10 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to broil, watching carefully to prevent burning. - Question 3: What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken?
Answer: The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165F (74C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick to ensure it is fully cooked. - Question 4: Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd?
Answer: Yes, the recipe can be scaled up. However, ensure there is enough space on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, use multiple baking sheets.