Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes at the Table

Oven baked chicken drumsticks with potatoes and olives.

Crackly-skinned chicken, tender potatoes, and bold, savory flavor—all made in one pan? This Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes Recipe checks every box for an simple, satisfying dinner!

What is Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes?

Oven baked chicken drumsticks with potatoes is a one-pan meal with seasoned chicken legs roasted alongside potatoes, aromatics, and herbs until everything is golden and chock-full of flavor. As the chicken cooks, its juices mingle with olive oil and spices, infusing the potatoes with rich, savory goodness.

What makes this dish one of our favorites is how hands-off it feels while still delivering plenty of tasty flavor! The oven does all the work, and you’re left with a hearty, balanced meal that feels comforting without being heavy.

Raw chicken, golden potatoes, garlic cloves, spices, olive oil, green olives, and kalamata olives. — Gather all your ingredients before you begin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken – Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks will have the most flavor, but boneless will work well, too. Whichever you choose, try to find pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Vegetables – Garlic and onion add a pungent, savory flavor. Then, we toss in buttery golden potatoes to transform this recipe into a complete meal. Be sure to slice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces — for large Yukon Gold, they should be cut into sixths or eighths.
Herbs and Spices – Paprika, oregano, sumac, salt, and pepper create a warm, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor.
Olive Oil – Used to coat the chicken, keeping it tender and helping the skin crisp while also adding healthy fats and allowing the seasonings to cling to the rest of the ingredients.
Olives – Their briny flavor adds an extra element of savory flavor along with healthy fats and fiber to keep you full.
Lemon – Layered on top, the acidity of lemon helps cut through the heaviness of the fats, creating a light, vibrant flavor for a complex taste and a well-rounded dish.
Garnish – We love to sprinkle lots of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a refreshing, herbaceous taste!

Raw chicken with golden potatoes, red and green olives, onions, and garlic coated with seasonings and topped with lemon wedges. — Toss the ingredients well, making sure they are completely coated with oil and seasonings.

How to Make Simple Baked Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

Season the Potatoes and Aromatics. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl. Then, add all the potatoes, garlic, onion, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil, to a baking dish. Sprinkle about ⅓ of the seasoning on top, and stir it all together.
Prepare the Chicken. Nestle the chicken drumsticks into the potatoes, then add the remaining oil and seasoning. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every piece is fully covered.
Spread and Layer. Arrange everything so the ingredients sit mostly in a single layer, giving the chicken room to roast properly. Tuck lemon slices over the top so their juices drip down as they cook.
Roast Until Golden. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and place it on the middle rack in the oven until the chicken is done (the skin should be brown and the juices should run clear). Remove the foil, and place it under the broiler for 5 minutes or just until the skin crisps (this will help prevent soggy skin). Be careful not to let it burn!
Rest and Finish. Let the pan sit briefly before serving so the juices settle. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve while everything is warm and aromatic.
Serve. Once the chicken has rested briefly, serve it with the potatoes as well as other sides like salads or other roasted veggies. To give it even more flavor, try drizzling garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki over top.

Finished meal. — Let your oven baked chicken drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before eating.

Variations

Mediterranean – Add cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in some thyme to lean into classic Mediterranean flavors. A sprinkle of feta after baking can add a salty finish, too.
Paprika + Garlic – Use smoked paprika and extra garlic cloves for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
Lemon – Add extra lemon slices and a splash of lemon juice before roasting for a brighter, citrus-forward dish.
Sweet Potatoes – Replace golden potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken. Cut them evenly so they roast at the same pace.
Chicken Thigh Version – Bone-in thighs can be used instead of drumsticks.
Spice Blend – Try za’atar or a mild chili blend to change the flavor direction without changing the method!
Potatoes – We love using Yukon Gold potatoes because they’re silky and buttery once roasted! But you can also opt for red potatoes, which are a bit firmer and add a pop of color.

Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers may lose some crispness, especially on the chicken skin, but the flavors deepen overnight.

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer.

For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This dish can also be fully cooked a day ahead and reheated just before serving.

Common Questions About Baked Chicken Drumsticks

How do I know when baked chicken drumsticks are done?

The meat should pull easily from the bone, the juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do I need to flip chicken drumsticks while baking?

While technically not necessary, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking can help it cook more evenly and ensure that both sides become crisp.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinating adds extra flavor and can be done up to a day in advance.

Why are my potatoes undercooked?

Potatoes that are too large or overcrowded in the pan can take longer to soften. Cutting them evenly, spreading them out, and making sure the chunks aren’t too big all make a big difference!

More Simple Family-Friendly Recipes

If you’re loving this one-pan dinner, you’ll want to check out these other simple recipes that also make cleanup a breeze!

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies

Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Tortilla Bake

Silky Mushroom Chicken

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 6 -8 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Total: 1 hr 5 mins

This Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Potatoes is the easiest way to get dinner on the table! Email

Ingredients

2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons sumac
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic roughly chopped
1 yellow onion chopped in big chunks
1 cup Kalamata olives
1 cup green olives
6 gold potatoes quartered
¼ cup olive oil divided
6-8 chicken drumsticks patted dry
1 large lemon sliced into rounds and then halves
Optional: fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Whisk the paprika, oregano, sumac, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
In a large baking dish, add the garlic, onion, olives, and potatoes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top followed by ⅓ of the seasoning mixture. Mix until the veggies are well-coated.
Add the chicken drumsticks on top along with the remaining oil and seasonings. Mix until the chicken is completely coated.
Arrange the ingredients in a single layer, nestling the chicken in between the veggies. Arrange lemon slices evenly over the ingredients.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 55-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F.
Remove the foil, and place the baking dish under the broiler for 5 minutes or just until the skin crisps up. Be careful not to let it burn!
Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!