Oven-Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes and Carrots

If you are looking for a wholesome, comforting, and deeply flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, oven-roasted chicken drumsticks with potatoes and carrots is the perfect dish. It is rustic, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying, offering tender chicken with crispy skin, perfectly caramelized vegetables, and a fragrant blend of herbs. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even weekly meal prep, because it is both easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Below is the complete recipe, including all ingredients, step-by-step instructions, technique tips, and suggested serving ideas.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 6 chicken drumsticks

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick pieces

• 1 large onion, sliced (optional)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For Extra Flavor

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• ½ cup chicken broth or water for moisture

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Start by patting the drumsticks dry using paper towels. This is crucial for ensuring a crisp and golden skin. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Season the drumsticks generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and oregano. Add olive oil and massage everything into the chicken to ensure each piece is fully coated.

For deeper flavor, you may marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This step is optional but makes the meat extra tender and more flavorful.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Place the potato chunks and carrot pieces in a separate bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and turmeric (if using). Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
Potatoes and carrots take longer to roast than chicken, so cutting them into uniform pieces helps ensure everything cooks evenly.

3. Assemble the Baking Tray

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish or roasting tray. Spread the seasoned potatoes, carrots, and optional onions across the bottom of the dish. Arrange the chicken drumsticks on top.

Pour the chicken broth or water around the edges of the tray to help the vegetables cook and prevent sticking. The added moisture will also keep the chicken tender while roasting.

Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken for a richer, deeper flavor and more browning on the skin.

4. Roast the Dish

Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the tray from the oven and gently turn the vegetables with a spoon to ensure they cook evenly.

Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken skin becomes crispy and golden and the vegetables are soft and caramelized.

If you prefer the chicken extra crispy, turn on the broiler for the last 3–5 minutes, watching carefully so nothing burns.

5. Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and vegetables before serving. This adds freshness, color, and a light herbal aroma that balances the richness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is delicious on its own, but here are some complementary pairings:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Homemade garlic bread

• A side of rice or couscous to absorb the flavorful juices

The leftovers also store very well and can be reheated the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

Final Thought

This oven-roasted chicken drumstick recipe brings together the beauty of simple ingredients and classic cooking techniques. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, it delivers a hearty, balanced, and comforting meal suitable for any day of the week. The perfectly seasoned chicken, golden crispy skin, and tender vegetables create a complete dish that feels homey, nourishing, and full of depth. It is the kind of recipe you will return to again and again, whether cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones.

Bon appétit.