Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrition? Look no further than these mouthwatering Chicken Drumsticks with Quinoa! This American classic combines juicy, crispy drumsticks with fluffy quinoa, creating a meal that's both satisfying and wholesome. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a hearty feast on the table in under an hour. Trust us, your family will be begging for seconds! Dive into this recipe and discover how to make a dinner that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that the chicken drumsticks cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a brush to coat each drumstick evenly with the marinade. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the chicken drumsticks in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken is baking, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is fluffy.
- After the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork.
- Once the chicken drumsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of quinoa on each plate and top it with two chicken drumsticks. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for added flavor.
Tips
- Patience is Key: For the crispiest chicken skin, make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before marinating. This step removes excess moisture that can prevent crisping.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 5 minutes, or even longer if you have time. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat for a more delicious result.
- Even Cooking: Space the drumsticks apart on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Fluff Your Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will give it a light and airy texture.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to add a splash of color and flavor with fresh herbs or lemon wedges when serving. It makes the dish look more appealing and adds a fresh taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 313kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
