One-Pan Mesquite Chicken Drumsticks with Corn and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels before seasoning. If you have the time, you can leave the seasoned chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour before roasting, which also helps to dry out the skin for a better texture.

Always use a metal spatula to turn the vegetables halfway through if you notice one side browning faster than the other.

If you find that the corn is cooking too quickly, you can add it to the sheet pan halfway through the roasting process. This ensures the corn remains juicy and does not become overly charred while waiting for the chicken to reach the required temperature.

Remember to keep the oven door closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the roasting time.

Variations

• Spicy Mesquite: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mesquite seasoning blend for a spicy kick that complements the smoky flavor of the chicken.
• Herb-Roasted Variation: Swap the mesquite seasoning for a mixture of dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for a more traditional, aromatic herb-roasted chicken and potato dinner.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer for a crispier skin.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality.

When storing, keep the chicken, potatoes, and corn together to maintain the moisture balance of the meal.

You can prepare the drumsticks and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the chicken and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the sheet pan.

Do not apply the melted butter or seasoning until right before you place the pan in the oven to prevent the vegetables from softening prematurely.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the sheet pan for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a large platter to make serving easier. This meal is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp garden salad or a side of steamed green beans to balance the smoky flavors of the mesquite seasoning.

If desired, provide a small bowl of extra melted butter or a light dipping sauce on the side for those who prefer more moisture. Ensure the chicken is served warm, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs if you want to add a pop of color to the final plate before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

One-Pan Mesquite Chicken Drumsticks with Corn and Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 40 minRest 5 minTotal 55 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks, skin-on
• 2 cups corn cob pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp mesquite seasoning
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken drumsticks, corn cob pieces, and halved baby potatoes in a single, even layer across the pan to ensure they roast evenly.
2. Sprinkle the mesquite seasoning evenly over the chicken, corn, and potatoes. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire pan to help the seasoning adhere and to promote browning.
3. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.