Family Friendly Chicken Drumsticks, Smashed Potatoes & Rocket Salad

Family Friendly Chicken Drumsticks, Smashed Potatoes & Rocket Salad

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Servings 4

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Tongs or pastry brush
  • Sharp knife & chopping board

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon roast chicken seasoning OR lemon herb seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Pinch cracked black pepper or red chilli flakes, optional
  • 8 potatoes small
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups rocket
  • 1 Lebanese cucumbers cut into rounds
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shaved
  • 1 lemon zest & juice
  • 1/3 cup flaked almonds toasted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-forced).
  • Place whole potatoes in a microwave-safe glass bowl with a splash of water. Cover and microwave on high for 7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine sweet paprika, roast chicken or lemon herb seasoning, honey, and a pinch of cracked black pepper or chilli flakes if using.
  • Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and coat with about two-thirds of the spice mix. Toss well to coat evenly.
  • Place the par cooked potatoes on a lined oven tray and gently press down with the back of a fork or spatula to flatten slightly. Drizzle with olive oil and spoon over the remaining spice mix. Gently toss or brush to coat.
  • Arrange the coated drumsticks and smashed potatoes on the same tray. Roast in the oven for 35–40 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, make the salad: In a large bowl, toss together rocket, cucumber rounds, shaved parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and toss to combine. Plate the crispy drumsticks with the golden smashed potatoes and fresh salad on the side.

Notes

Cooking Tips for Beginners

  • Microwave potatoes just until tender, they’ll finish crisping in the oven.
  • If your tray is crowded, use two trays for better browning.
  • Brush glaze generously for extra flavour.
  • Use tongs to turn chicken and potatoes halfway.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add a side of crusty bread or corn on the cob.
  • Swap rocket for baby spinach if preferred.
  • Serve with extra lemon wedges for zing.
  • Pair with a yoghurt-based dipping sauce or aioli.

Freezer-Friendly

Cooked drumsticks can be frozen. Cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Potatoes and salad are best fresh.

Storage Advice

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat drumsticks and potatoes in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness. Freshen up salad just before serving.

Meal Prep Instructions

  1. Prep the glaze and marinate the chicken up to 24 hrs in advance.
  2. Microwave and smash potatoes ahead; refrigerate until ready to bake.
  3. Toast almonds and store in a jar.
  4. Assemble salad just before serving for freshness.

Substitutions

  • Drumsticks: Swap for bone-in chicken thighs or wings.
  • Seasoning: Use BBQ, Moroccan, or garlic herb blends.
  • Parmesan: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese.
  • Almonds: Try sunflower seeds or pine nuts.

Helpful Hints

  • Use baking paper for easy cleanup.
  • Let the drumsticks rest for 5 mins before serving.
  • Double the salad for next-day lunches.
  • Slice potatoes evenly so they roast at the same rate.
  • Great as a no-fuss weeknight dinner with minimal dishes.

FAQs

1. Can I skip microwaving the potatoes?
It helps speed things up—if skipping, roast longer (about 50–55 mins).
2. What’s a good veggie alternative for kids?
Serve with carrot sticks, corn, or mashed sweet potato.
3. Can I use pre-seasoned chicken?
Yes—just skip the glaze and roast as per instructions.
4. How do I toast almonds?
Lightly dry-toast in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 mins until golden.

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Keywords

Dinner, Main Course
Chicken
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