Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Gravy & Mash: A Comfort Food Classic Done Right

Few meals capture the essence of homemade comfort like Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Gravy & Mash. Crispy, golden-brown drumsticks paired with buttery mashed potatoes and rich homemade gravy make for the perfect hearty dinner. This dish is simple, rustic, and endlessly satisfying — ideal for cozy nights in or Sunday family meals. I tried this recipe using oat milk in the mashed potatoes, and it turned out incredibly creamy and smooth without sacrificing flavor. The roasted drumsticks bring a beautiful balance of crisp skin and juicy meat, while the savory gravy ties everything together. It’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style, offering warmth and comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers everything you love in a homestyle dinner — crispy chicken, silky mashed potatoes, and rich, flavorful gravy. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma as it roasts. Best of all, it’s easy to make for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken drumsticks – Juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook, these are the star of the show. Their skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender.

Olive oil – Helps the chicken roast evenly and gives the skin a golden finish.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the mashed potatoes, enhancing natural flavors.

Garlic powder – Adds subtle warmth and depth to the roasted drumsticks.

Paprika – Lends a smoky, slightly sweet note and enhances the chicken’s color.

Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for fluffy, creamy mash.

Butter – Adds richness and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.

Milk or cream – Creates that perfect silky consistency. Use whole milk, cream, or a non-dairy alternative like oat or almond milk.

Chicken broth – The base for the gravy, bringing deep, savory flavor.

All-purpose flour – Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.

Onion powder – Enhances the gravy’s flavor with a mild sweetness.

Fresh parsley – Optional but adds a lovely freshness and color when sprinkled over the finished dish.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the drumsticks to coat evenly.
3. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. While the chicken roasts, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
5. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and warm milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. For the gravy, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Plate the drumsticks over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and drizzle with warm gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Keep the gravy in a separate container and warm it gently on the stove before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Herb Roasted Drumsticks: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the seasoning mix for a fragrant herbal flavor.

Garlic Butter Mash: Mix roasted garlic and extra butter into the mashed potatoes for a rich, aromatic twist.

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken seasoning for a little heat.

Honey Glazed Chicken: Brush the drumsticks with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a sweet-savory glaze.

Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Sauté mushrooms before adding flour and broth for a deeper, earthy gravy.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

Air Fryer Version: Cook the drumsticks in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 25–28 minutes for ultra-crispy skin.

Buttermilk Brine: Marinate the drumsticks in buttermilk for 2 hours before roasting for even juicier results.

Vegetable Side Add-On: Serve with roasted carrots, peas, or green beans for a balanced, colorful plate.

Gluten-Free Gravy: Substitute flour with cornstarch for a smooth, gluten-free alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and remain juicy, though cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the gravy up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently on the stove before serving.

3. How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?

Pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning and roast them uncovered at high heat.

4. What kind of potatoes are best for mash?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes make the creamiest, fluffiest mash.

5. Can I use milk alternatives for the mashed potatoes?

Yes, oat, almond, or soy milk all work well.

6. How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?

Simmer it a bit longer, or mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with water and whisk it in.

7. What can I serve with this dish?

Steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad complement it perfectly.

8. Can I cook the chicken and potatoes at the same time?

Yes, you can roast the chicken while the potatoes boil to save time.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

10. How can I make the dish healthier?

Use olive oil instead of butter in the mash, and serve with a light salad on the side.

Conclusion

Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with Gravy & Mash is the definition of classic comfort food — crispy, juicy chicken paired with creamy potatoes and velvety gravy. It’s a wholesome, filling meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers both flavor and nostalgia in every bite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular favorite on your dinner table.

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