Herb Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Mashed Potatoes & Carrots

By Muhammad Faizan

Herb Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Mashed Potatoes & Carrots

This hearty and comforting dish features juicy, tender chicken drumsticks roasted with a flavorful herb blend, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet, tender carrots. It’s the perfect soul-warming meal for any day.

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken Drumsticks:

    • 6 chicken drumsticks

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • For the Mashed Potatoes:

    • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

    • 1/4 cup butter

    • 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  • For the Roasted Carrots:

    • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.

    • Rub this herb mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece is well coated.

  2. Bake the Chicken:

    • Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

    • Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.

  3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

    • While the chicken is baking, place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt.

    • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

    • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the potatoes are too thick, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

  4. Prepare the Roasted Carrots:

    • Toss the peeled and sliced carrots in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

    • Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven (you can do this while the chicken is cooking) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

  5. Serve:

    • Plate the chicken drumsticks alongside the mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes:

  • Chicken Variations: You can substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs or breasts if preferred. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

  • Mashed Potatoes: For extra flavor, you can add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes or mix in some grated cheese.

  • Carrots: You can experiment with adding honey or balsamic vinegar to the roasted carrots for added sweetness and flavor.

Tips:

  • Crispier Chicken Skin: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

  • Make Ahead: The mashed potatoes and roasted carrots can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

  • Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Servings:

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving):

  • Calories: 450

  • Carbs: 35g

  • Protein: 30g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 7g

Benefits:

  • High in Protein: Chicken drumsticks are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.

  • Rich in Vitamins: Carrots provide vitamin A and antioxidants, while potatoes offer vitamin C and potassium.

  • Balanced Meal: This dish provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs for sustained energy.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes for the mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully as a substitute! They’ll add a slightly different flavor and provide more vitamins and fiber.

Q: How do I make this recipe spicy?
A: You can add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the chicken seasoning or even toss the carrots in a bit of cayenne pepper before roasting.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your chicken or broth doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

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