Marinated Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables, Baked

Marinade is essential for transforming chicken drumsticks into a juicy and flavorful dish. In a larger bowl, add yogurt or buttermilk, which will act as a base ingredient, helping to tenderize the meat. Add sweet paprika, which will provide a vibrant color and a slightly smoky flavor, rosemary, turmeric for an exotic touch, crushed garlic for an extra kick, salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you want a bit of spice, you can add hot paprika, curry, and nutmeg, which will bring an additional dimension to the dish. Mix all the ingredients until the yogurt takes on a uniform hue and all the flavors blend harmoniously.

Before adding the chicken drumsticks, it is important to clean, wash, and dry them with a kitchen towel. Using a fork or a sharp knife, poke the meat in several places to allow the marinade to penetrate better. Add the drumsticks to the prepared marinade and gently mix, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Now, it’s time to let the meat marinate. Ideally, you should keep it in the fridge for at least two hours, but if you have time, let it sit from morning until noon. The longer the drumsticks stay in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful they will be.

Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Peel the potatoes and carrots, cutting them into thick slices or rounds. If you opt for smaller new potatoes, you can leave them whole or cut them in half. Drizzle the vegetables with a little olive oil, mix well to coat them evenly, and then season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Place the vegetables in a buttered baking dish, creating a generous bed for the chicken drumsticks.

After you have arranged the vegetables, place the chicken drumsticks on top and pour the remaining marinade over them, which will help flavor the entire dish. Sprinkle cubes of butter on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are nicely browned. During baking, don’t forget to turn the drumsticks to brown them evenly on both sides.

Serve the dish warm, generously portioning both the vegetables and chicken drumsticks onto plates. You can accompany it with a fresh seasonal salad or pickles to complete the meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also a true feast for the senses, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!