Description

A hearty, flavor-packed plate featuring juicy oven-roasted garlic-butter drumsticks, succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp, and crisp-tender green beans sautéed with aromatic garlic. This dish balances richness, protein, and veggies—comfort food with a bold Southern kick. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Servings

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Drumsticks

• 8 chicken drumsticks

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or ½ tsp fresh)

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 tbsp honey for a slightly sticky glaze

For the Cajun Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Squeeze of lemon

For the Sautéed Green Beans

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1½ tbsp olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper

Instructions

1. Prep and Roast the Drumsticks

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Pat drumsticks dry and place on a baking sheet.

4. Brush generously with the garlic-butter mixture.

5. Roast 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Optional: Brush with honey in the last 5 minutes for a glossy finish.

2. Cook the Cajun Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and toss with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.

3. Add garlic and cook 15–30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add shrimp; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

5. Add butter and a small squeeze of lemon to finish; toss to coat.

3. Sauté the Green Beans

1. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

3. Add green beans, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

4. Cook 6–8 minutes, tossing often, until crisp-tender with slight browning.

4. Plate & Serve

Arrange drumsticks on each plate, add Cajun shrimp, and finish with a generous side of green beans. Spoon extra garlic butter over top if desired.

Estimated Nutritional Info (per serving)

(Values approximate—will vary based on ingredients.)

• Calories: ~570

• Protein: ~47 g

• Carbs: ~10 g

• Fat: ~37 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~2 g

• Sodium: varies depending on seasoning used

Benefits

• High in Protein: Chicken + shrimp offers a powerful lean protein combo.

• Balanced Plate: Includes vegetables, healthy fats, and clean seasonings.

• Low Carb: Works well with keto or low-carb diets.

• Quick-Cooking: Shrimp and green beans finish in minutes; only the drumsticks roast longer.

• Bold Flavor: Cajun spices + garlic butter = restaurant-quality taste at home.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Crispy Chicken: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

• Spice Levels: Use mild Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for more heat.

• Swap Proteins: Use chicken thighs or turkey legs; substitute shrimp with scallops.

• Add a Carb: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or cauliflower rice.

• Make It Creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream + lime juice to the shrimp pan for a Cajun cream sauce.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Keep shrimp separate until reheating to avoid overcooking.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Cook the drumsticks up to 2 days ahead. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cook shrimp fresh if possible to avoid rubbery texture.

Q: Can I air-fry the chicken?

A: Absolutely—air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

A: Substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Q: Are frozen shrimp okay?

A: Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry so the seasoning sticks.

Q: Can I add more veggies?

A: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus pair beautifully with the shrimp and green beans.