Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Crispy Fries & Fresh Tomato–Onion Salad
Description
This is a classic, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The chicken drumsticks are marinated with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then roasted until golden and juicy. Served alongside crispy golden fries and a refreshing tomato–onion salad, this dish balances comfort with freshness. It’s perfect for family meals or casual entertaining.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 30–60 minutes (optional for deeper flavor)
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
6–8 chicken drumsticks
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
For Crispy Fries
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional for color and flavor)
For Fresh Tomato–Onion Salad
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Wash and pat dry the drumsticks.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
Rub the mixture all over the chicken drumsticks.
Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 30–60 minutes for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Fries
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if not already heated from fries.
Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased tray.
Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato–Onion Salad
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and chopped parsley.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper, and toss lightly.
Step 5: Serve
Plate 2–3 roasted chicken drumsticks per person with a side of crispy fries and a fresh tomato–onion salad.
Optionally, garnish with a wedge of lemon or extra parsley.
Tips for Best Results
For extra crispy fries, soak cut potatoes in water for 20 minutes before baking to remove excess starch.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
You can roast the fries and chicken together if your oven is large enough, but place fries on a separate tray to prevent them from steaming.
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
A: Yes! Thighs work great and may even cook a bit faster. Adjust cooking time to ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Q2: How can I make the fries extra crispy?
A: Toss fries with a small amount of cornstarch before baking and make sure they’re spaced out on the tray. Preheating the tray in the oven helps too.
Q3: Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
A: Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Fries are best baked fresh, but salad can be prepped an hour ahead.
Q4: Can I cook the chicken and fries in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Chicken drumsticks take 25–30 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Fries can cook for 15–20 minutes at the same temperature, shaking halfway.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Yes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes make a nice addition. Keep the dressing light to maintain freshness.