Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Carrots and Rice

Tender chicken drumsticks roast alongside sweet carrot sticks on a single sheet pan, while fluffy white rice cooks on the stove. Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika for gentle, kid-friendly flavor. A fuss-free dinner that keeps cleanup minimal and fills bellies without overwhelming young palates.

By TasteBuds

Recipe details

Yield
4 people
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
40 minutes
Total time
45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 drumsticks chicken drumsticks
  • 1 lb carrots
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 1½ cups white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
  • 3 cups water (for rice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Peel 1 lb (450 g) carrots and cut into sticks about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
  4. Pat 8 drumsticks (about 2 lb / 900 g) chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika and ¾ tsp salt.
  6. Place the chicken drumsticks on one half of the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika-salt mixture, rubbing it gently into the skin.
  7. Arrange the carrot sticks (1 lb / 450 g, cut) on the other half of the sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken skin is golden and crispy, the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of a drumstick, and the carrots are tender with slightly caramelized edges.
  9. While the chicken and carrots roast, rinse 1½ cups (300 g) white rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
  10. Combine the rinsed rice and 3 cups (720 ml) water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  11. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
  12. Remove the rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
  13. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  14. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
  15. Serve the chicken drumsticks and roasted carrots alongside the fluffy white rice.