Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 65 minutes
Welcome to another edition of the Basic Needs Center Food Connections blog! Today, we're diving into a simple yet delightful recipe—marinated baked chicken drumsticks and potatoes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its short prep time, enabling you to set it in the oven and go about your day while it bakes to perfection. Ideal for students and community members seeking an easy and budget-friendly meal, it not only tastes great but also requires minimal ingredients and effort. Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on; about 2 pounds total weight)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Variations Diversify your culinary experience with these creative twists on the basic recipe: - Swap out olive oil for melted butter as an alternative coating option. - Experiment with various spices; consider using chili powder, dried thyme, or cumin instead of the standard garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. - Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper—tailor it to your spice preferences.
Instructions
- If your chicken drumsticks are frozen, plan ahead by thawing them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thawing option, place the frozen drumsticks in a sealed plastic bag, ensuring there are no leaks. Submerge the bag under cold, running water providing a safe and efficient thawing process. This ensures even cooking and allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Craft a flavorful seasoning paste by combining olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
To intensify the flavors, consider marinating the drumsticks for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step enhances tenderness and infuses the meat with a delightful blend of olive oil and spices
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it can withstand high temperatures.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into 1 ½ inch chunks and set aside.
- Thoroughly coat thawed chicken drumsticks and potatoes with the seasoning paste, either using a pastry brush or your hands for a more even coating.
- Place the drumsticks in a single layer and add the potato chunks to any spaces in between on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake them uncovered until their internal temperature reaches a poultry-safe 165°F—this typically takes around 50 minutes.
- For an extra burst of flavor, coat the drumsticks with the pan juices using a clean pastry brush during the baking process.
- Once the drumsticks are perfectly cooked, serve them immediately.
Enhance your cooking expertise with this expert tip: Check the drumsticks after the initial 35 minutes. If they appear to be browning too rapidly, loosely cover them with foil, ensuring they continue cooking through.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power, or enjoy them cold in salads or as a snack.
Recognizing freshness is key. Before consuming, ensure the chicken has not gone bad. Signs of spoilage include an off odor, changes in color (such as gray or slimy patches), or an unusual texture. If you observe any of these signs, it’s advisable to discard the chicken.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these simple baked chicken drumsticks and potatoes! Remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Stay tuned for more affordable and delicious recipes.
More recipes to consider
Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks: https://www.recipetineats.com/crispy-baked-chicken-drumsticks/
Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks: https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/teriyaki-chicken/
