Oven-baked chicken drumsticks with potatoes

Chicken drumsticks with oven-baked potatoes – a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

For home-cooked food lovers, this recipe for chicken drumsticks with oven-baked potatoes is an excellent choice! Not only is it a comforting dish, but it is also simple, bringing together rich flavors and accessible ingredients. Moreover, baking perfectly blends all the flavors, allowing them to combine in a delicious way.

A brief history of the recipe
Oven-baked dishes with meat and vegetables are an old tradition in many cultures. This cooking method allows the ingredients to infuse into each other, creating juicy and flavorful dishes. Chicken drumsticks, due to their texture, are ideal for this cooking style, while the potatoes become soft and flavored, absorbing all the meat juices.

Ingredients

- 8 large potatoes
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 green onion
- 1 tomato
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 6 slices of Delaco cheese
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegeta
- 4 bay leaves
- half a teaspoon of pepper
- Greens (preferably lovage)

Step by step for a perfect result

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables thoroughly. The potatoes, carrots, onion, and tomato should be fresh for maximum flavor. Make sure to choose large potatoes to achieve an even texture when cooking. Then, clean the chicken drumsticks, removing any feathers or impurities.

Step 2: Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven well preheated so that the ingredients cook evenly.

Step 3: Preparing the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into suitable pieces so they cook evenly. Place them in a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, all the spices (thyme, basil, sweet paprika, garlic, vegeta, and pepper), and the pepper paste. Mix well to coat the potatoes with all the flavors.

Step 4: Arranging in the tray
Transfer the potatoes to a baking tray. This step is essential, as a good tray will ensure even baking. Place the chicken drumsticks in another bowl, add a teaspoon of paprika and the finely chopped lovage. Mix well, then score each drumstick to allow the spices to penetrate better into the meat.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Put the chicken drumsticks in the tray, mixing them with the potatoes. Add the halved onion, the green onion (using only the white part), the lengthwise cut carrots, the chopped tomato, and the bay leaves. Carefully mix everything to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 6: Baking in the oven
Place the tray in the preheated oven and leave it for 1 hour. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the aroma that will spread throughout the house.

Step 7: Adding the cheese
After 1 hour, take the tray out of the oven and place the cheese slices on top of the potatoes. This will add a creamy and delicious touch to the dish. Put the tray back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts slightly.

Step 8: Serving
Once everything is ready, take the tray out of the oven and let it cool slightly. You can serve this wonderful dish alongside a fresh tomato salad. The combined taste of the juicy meat and the flavored potatoes will be truly delicious!

Practical tips

- Marinating the drumsticks: If you have time, you can let the chicken drumsticks marinate for a few hours or even overnight with olive oil, spices, and garlic. This will intensify the flavor of the meat.
- Variations: Instead of potatoes, you can use zucchini or carrots for a lighter option.
- For an extra flavor boost: You can also add some olives or roasted peppers to the tray, which will enrich the flavor of the dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with a whole chicken, thighs, or even turkey.

2. How can I make this recipe faster?
You can use pre-cooked potatoes or even frozen potatoes to reduce cooking time.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a light beer pairs wonderfully with this dish. Additionally, a natural tomato juice would be an excellent choice.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe for chicken drumsticks with oven-baked potatoes is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken meat is an excellent source of protein, while potatoes provide essential carbohydrates and fiber. Additionally, the vegetables add important vitamins and minerals to your diet.

Conclusion

These chicken drumsticks with oven-baked potatoes are more than just a simple meal; they are an opportunity to enjoy cooking and share special moments with loved ones. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and comfort of a dish cooked with love. Enjoy your meal!