Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop Vegetables: Dice the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Season and Coat with Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Drumsticks: In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken drumsticks to ensure they’re well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread the rinsed and drained buckwheat evenly on the bottom. Place the seasoned vegetables on top of the buckwheat, spreading them out evenly.
2. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the buckwheat and vegetables to add flavor and prevent drying during baking.
3. Place Drumsticks on Top: Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the vegetables and buckwheat, making sure they’re evenly spaced.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove Foil: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken drumsticks are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
3. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If you want extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the drumsticks alongside the buckwheat and vegetables, spooning any remaining juices from the dish over the top for added flavor.

Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for variety.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding a dash of cumin, rosemary, or lemon zest to the seasoning mix for extra depth of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed.

This Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Buckwheat and Vegetables dish is a balanced meal with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy!