Ultimate Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Smoky Potatoes & Peppers

📝 Recipe Description:

This hearty and flavorful dish features juicy chicken drumsticks seasoned with a bold, smoky spice rub, roasted to perfection alongside tender potatoes and sweet bell peppers. It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with color, and rich in taste — perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

🍗 Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Smoky Potatoes & Peppers

For the Chicken Drumsticks:

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Potatoes & Peppers:

• 4 medium potatoes, chopped into chunks

• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken drumsticks with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub well to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

3. Prep Veggies: In a large bowl, toss chopped potatoes, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble: Spread vegetables in a large baking tray. Nestle the drumsticks on top.

5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning drumsticks halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F (75°C), and potatoes are tender.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

📝 Notes:

• Use skin-on drumsticks for best flavor and moisture.

• Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up well when baked.

• Line your baking tray with parchment for easier cleanup.

💡 Tips:

• Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor.

• Broil for the last 3–5 minutes to crisp the skin.

• Add zucchini or cherry tomatoes in the last 15 minutes for extra veggies.

🍽️ Servings:

Serves 4–5 people

🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 450–500 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 500mg

🌟 Benefits:

• High-protein meal supports muscle health.

• Rich in vitamin C from bell peppers and lemon.

• Balanced with healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs.

• Great for meal prep – reheats well the next day.

❓Q & A:

Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?
A: Yes, but bone-in drumsticks give more flavor and moisture. If using boneless, reduce cook time to 25–30 minutes.

Q: How do I make this less spicy for kids?
A: Skip the cayenne pepper and chili flakes — it will still be flavorful without the heat.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli work well. Adjust cook time as needed.

Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! Marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead. Assemble and bake when ready to eat.