Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables

This hearty, one-pan dish of Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables is a simple, flavorful meal that brings out the earthy taste of buckwheat paired with tender, spiced chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines affordable, easy-to-find ingredients with spices like paprika, coriander, garlic, and curry, creating a warming and satisfying meal. Buckwheat, often used in Eastern European cooking, provides a healthy and gluten-free base rich in fiber and nutrients, while the chicken drumsticks add protein and delicious flavor. This recipe is straightforward and family-friendly, offering a balanced meal in a single dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks: 5-6 pieces
  • Buckwheat groats: 300g
  • Water: 500ml
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Carrot: 1, grated
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Coriander: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Curry powder: 1/3 tsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves: 3-4, whole or sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Rinse the Buckwheat:
    Rinse the buckwheat groats under cold water to remove any impurities and set them aside.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and season with salt, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, and curry powder. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and mix until the chicken is well coated in the spices. Allow the chicken to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Chop the Vegetables:
    Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. Peel the garlic cloves, leaving them whole or cutting them in half if they’re large.

2. Assemble the Dish:

  1. Layer the Ingredients in a Baking Dish:
    In a large, oven-safe baking dish or casserole, spread the rinsed buckwheat in an even layer.
  2. Add the Vegetables and Water:
    Sprinkle the chopped onion and grated carrot over the buckwheat. Pour 500ml of water into the dish, making sure the buckwheat is submerged.
  3. Add the Chicken and Garlic:
    Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the buckwheat and vegetables. Tuck the garlic cloves around the chicken for added flavor.
  4. Drizzle with Oil:
    Drizzle a bit more vegetable oil over the chicken and buckwheat to help them brown and develop flavor as they bake.

3. Bake the Dish:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake the Chicken and Buckwheat:
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, and the buckwheat has absorbed all the water.

4. Serve:

  1. Let Rest and Serve:
    Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors settle. Serve the chicken drumsticks with portions of the seasoned buckwheat and vegetables.

    Preparation and Cooking

    1. Prep Time: 15 minutes
    2. Cook Time: 45 minutes

    Steps

    1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
      • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
      • In a large mixing bowl, coat the chicken drumsticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
      • In a baking dish or oven-safe pan, add chopped onion, bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, and minced garlic. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
    2. Assemble the Dish:
      • Rinse the buckwheat and spread it evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish.
      • Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the buckwheat and vegetables.
      • Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the vegetable and buckwheat mixture.
    3. Bake:
      • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
      • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden and crispy.
      • Make sure the buckwheat has absorbed all the liquid; if needed, bake a few extra minutes.
    4. Serve:
      • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot, straight from the baking dish.

    This Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables is a balanced and nutritious meal, with tender chicken, fluffy buckwheat, and well-seasoned vegetables in every bite. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well in this dish and add extra nutrients.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat

  1. Use Whole Garlic Cloves:
    Whole garlic cloves add a gentle flavor to the dish without overpowering it. They soften and sweeten as they bake, enhancing the overall taste.
  2. Adjust Seasoning to Taste:
    This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs. Thyme or rosemary would add a nice herbal note.
  3. Check the Water Level:
    If the buckwheat absorbs water too quickly during baking, add a bit more to ensure it remains moist.
  4. Let the Chicken Marinate:
    If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the spices for 20-30 minutes before baking for a richer flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration:
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing:
    This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the buckwheat may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables is a comforting, nutritious dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying. The mild, nutty flavor of buckwheat perfectly complements the spices on the tender chicken, while the carrots and onions add natural sweetness. This one-pan meal is a fantastic choice for busy nights or as a make-ahead dinner, delivering warmth and nourishment in every bite. Perfect for fans of wholesome, traditional flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it with family or friends as a wholesome, hearty meal!

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Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 55mins

Description

This hearty, one-pan dish of Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables is a simple, flavorful meal that brings out the earthy taste of buckwheat paired with tender, spiced chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines affordable, easy-to-find ingredients with spices like paprika, coriander, garlic, and curry, creating a warming and satisfying meal. Buckwheat, often used in Eastern European cooking, provides a healthy and gluten-free base rich in fiber and nutrients, while the chicken drumsticks add protein and delicious flavor. This recipe is straightforward and family-friendly, offering a balanced meal in a single dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks: 5-6 pieces
  • Buckwheat groats: 300g
  • Water: 500ml
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Carrot: 1, grated
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Coriander: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Curry powder: 1/3 tsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves: 3-4, whole or sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Rinse the Buckwheat:
    Rinse the buckwheat groats under cold water to remove any impurities and set them aside.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and season with salt, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, and curry powder. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and mix until the chicken is well coated in the spices. Allow the chicken to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Chop the Vegetables:
    Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. Peel the garlic cloves, leaving them whole or cutting them in half if they’re large.

2. Assemble the Dish:

  1. Layer the Ingredients in a Baking Dish:
    In a large, oven-safe baking dish or casserole, spread the rinsed buckwheat in an even layer.
  2. Add the Vegetables and Water:
    Sprinkle the chopped onion and grated carrot over the buckwheat. Pour 500ml of water into the dish, making sure the buckwheat is submerged.
  3. Add the Chicken and Garlic:
    Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the buckwheat and vegetables. Tuck the garlic cloves around the chicken for added flavor.
  4. Drizzle with Oil:
    Drizzle a bit more vegetable oil over the chicken and buckwheat to help them brown and develop flavor as they bake.

3. Bake the Dish:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake the Chicken and Buckwheat:
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, and the buckwheat has absorbed all the water.

4. Serve:

  1. Let Rest and Serve:
    Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors settle. Serve the chicken drumsticks with portions of the seasoned buckwheat and vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15mins
  • Cook Time: 45mins