Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potato Balls

I’ll be happy to give you a recipe for Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potato Balls in the Italian way. This dish is convenient and delicious, perfect for a family dinner or with friends. If you are looking for something traditionally Italian, I could suggest using herbs like rosemary or thyme to flavor the chicken, and prepare the potatoes as if they were mini “roasted potatoes” with a touch of oregano and garlic.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Sprigs of fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Dried oregano (for the potatoes)
• 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C.
2. Wash the potatoes well and, with the help of a melon baller, shape the potatoes into balls. Alternatively, cut them into cubes if you prefer.
3. In a baking dish, coat the chicken drumsticks and potato balls with extra virgin olive oil.
4. Distribute the peeled garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs among the chicken, you can add thyme if you wish.
5. Sprinkle everything with salt and black pepper, and add a little dry oregano to the potato balls.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is well browned and the potatoes are tender.
7. During cooking, if necessary, turn the drumsticks and potato balls to ensure even cooking.
8. Near the end of cooking, squeeze a little lemon juice to add freshness and some grated zest for a citrus aroma.
9. Put back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to complete the cooking.

Trivia

In Italy, the use of citrus in everyday cooking is very widespread, not only in the southern regions where citrus growth is abundant but also in the rest of the country. Lemon, in particular, is often used to flavor and add a touch of zing to many dishes, from fish to chicken.

You might serve this dish with a side of baked vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Enjoy your meal!