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Perfect Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cucumber‑Tomato Salad

Nutritional Info (per serving)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~36g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~720mg
(Values are estimates and will vary by portion size and specific ingredients.)

Healthier Alternatives

  • Low‑carb: Swap potatoes for mashed cauliflower (add a spoon of cream cheese for body).
  • Lighter fat: Use skinless chicken and reduce butter to 2 Tbsp; finish the mash with extra warm milk.
  • Dairy‑free: Use olive oil and unsweetened almond or oat milk in the mash.
  • Vegan: Replace chicken with roasted, spiced chickpeas or tofu, and use plant‑based butter/milk in the mash.

Serving Suggestions

  • Spoon mashed potatoes into shallow bowls, top with 1–2 roasted chicken drumsticks, and drizzle with pan juices.
  • Finish with chopped parsley, chives, or dill for fresh lift.
  • Add a quick gravy: deglaze the hot pan with a splash of chicken broth and whisk in a pat of butter.
  • Pair with sparkling water and lemon or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the foil: Without Reynolds Wrap® Non‑Stick Foil, skin can stick and tear.
  • Crowding the pan: Overlapping pieces steam instead of crisp. Use two pans if needed.
  • Not drying the skin: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness—pat very dry first.
  • Overboiling potatoes: They absorb water and turn gluey. Stop when just tender and let steam off before mashing.
  • Underseasoning: Taste the mash and salad; small salt tweaks make a big difference.

Storing Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store chicken, potatoes, and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Chicken freezes up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes freeze best with a bit of extra butter; thaw overnight.
  • Reheat: Warm chicken at 350°F until hot; re‑crisp under the broiler if desired. Reheat potatoes gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
  • Meal‑prep: Roast a double batch of drumsticks for easy lunches; the salad is best dressed right before serving.

Conclusion

These roasted chicken drumsticks deliver everything you want on a cozy night: shatter‑crisp skin, juicy meat, cloud‑soft potatoes, and a bright, crunchy salad. Thanks to Reynolds Wrap® Non‑Stick Foil, cleanup is a breeze. Make this once and it’ll be on repeat—then come back and leave a comment with your twist, rating, or favorite add‑ins!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes—reduce cooking time to about 22–25 minutes, depending on thickness, and check for 165°F (74°C) doneness.

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What potatoes make the creamiest mash?

Russets are fluffy and absorb butter beautifully; Yukon Golds are naturally creamy and slightly buttery on their own.

Can I prep the salad ahead?

Yes, slice the veggies up to 6 hours ahead, but dress right before serving to keep everything crisp.

How do I get extra‑crispy skin?

Make sure the chicken is very dry, don’t crowd the pan, roast at high heat, and finish with a brief broil if needed.

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