Juicy, crispy Chicken With Tomatoes that practically bursts with flavour—this dish is proof that simple ingredients can create something downright magical. It’s low-carb, loaded with bold Mediterranean vibes, and so easy, it feels like cheating!
I don’t know about at your local grocery store but at mine, even in today’s day and age where it seems like nothing ever goes on sale, it’s like chicken drumsticks always are. But hey, I’m most definitely not complaining. And either is the boyfriend (who, if you’re new here, is usually the sole eater of what I cook…lol).
I always stock the freezer up high when I see them down at a good price which means that I almost always have a pack of good ol’ chicken drumsticks on hand. And when I don’t feel like cooking something elaborate or thinking too long and hard about what to put on the table, chicken drumsticks is usually my answer.
So, whether I’m baking chicken drumsticks, throwing some chicken drumsticks in the air fryer, or recreating my favourite garlic parmesan chicken drumstick recipe, chicken drumsticks are my go-to for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal. And this recipe for roasted chicken drumsticks with sweet cherry tomatoes and garlic? It’s one of those dishes that’s so simple, yet so packed with flavour—you’ll want to make it every week!
As great as chicken drumsticks are and all, I just really need to have a moment for these tomatoes. I kid you not –these cherry tomatoes were quite the star of the show. I got them at a farmer’s market like 2 weeks before (and they stayed as fresh as they were the day I got them!). They were plump, incredibly delicious, different (and so dang pretty!!!), and just begging to be used in a winner of a dish.
And this chicken with tomatoes and garlic is exactly that. Winning in just about every category. From quick. To easy. To tasty AF. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, for impressing friends, or when you just want something simple but seriously delicious.
So, whether you, too, have some cherry tomatoes that need a-usin’ or you’re already running to the grocery store to get them as we speak (I don’t blame ya…this dinner really is that delicious!), I know one thing is for sure: this chicken with tomatoes and garlic will make you want to buy ALL OF THE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS (even when they’re not on sale!) 😉
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
This dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something seriously special. You’ve got juicy chicken, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, and savory garlic—what’s not to love? It’s a one-pan wonder that’s super easy to make and packed with flavour, making it the perfect go-to meal for any night of the week. Here’s what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail:
- Chicken Drumsticks: Well, duh! All that talk about chicken drumsticks, of course they’re going to be the star of the show! They have that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. They’re an affordable, easy-to-cook part of the chicken that gets beautifully caramelized when roasted, making them the perfect base for this dish. If you don’t have any on hand, following this recipe using chicken thighs, legs, or breasts will also work.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems are sweet, juicy, and literally burst with flavour when roasted. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is a perfect contrast to the savory chicken and garlic, and they create a delicious sauce as they cook down. I used a variety of different cherry tomatoes in both shape and colour. However, feel free to use what you have on hand or what is available to you.
- Garlic: The secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level. Its savory, aromatic flavour pairs perfectly with the chicken and tomatoes, adding depth to every bite. Roasted garlic is just the best!
- Olive Oil: Olive oil not only helps roast the chicken and tomatoes to perfection but also adds a rich, smooth flavour that ties everything together. As always, extra virgin olive oil works best. Because of the distinct taste and flavour olive oil adds to this chicken with tomatoes recipe, I wouldn’t recommend using a different kind of oil in its place.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a hint of tangy sweetness that complements the tomatoes and balances the richness of the chicken. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend using a different kind of vinegar in its place in this recipe.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a Mediterranean touch to the dish with its warm, earthy flavour, which works beautifully with the chicken and tomatoes.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavour that gives the chicken a little depth and warmth. It’s the perfect spice to give this dish a unique twist.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples round out the seasoning, giving the chicken that all-around savory, well-seasoned taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavours in the dish.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top brings brightness and a pop of colour, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for chicken with tomatoes card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Pat the chicken dry. For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Season generously. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! The chicken, tomatoes, and garlic all benefit from a good coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’ll enhance the flavours and make your dish super tasty.
- Use fresh garlic and keep ’em whole. For better roasting and to prevent burning, keep the garlic cloves whole instead of mincing them. As they roast, the garlic will become sweet and fragrant without the risk of burning adding a delicious, mellow garlic flavour to the dish!
- Space it out. When placing the chicken on the baking sheet, give the drumsticks and tomatoes plenty of space. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and the tomatoes can burst and caramelize properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the tomatoes. If you’re using a smaller pan, spread the cherry tomatoes out so they have room to burst and release their sweet juices. This ensures they burst into a beautiful sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken. EXTRA TIP: When ready to serve, evenly distribute the burst cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic cloves over the chicken in each dish.
- Monitor the roasting time. Depending on the size of your drumsticks, cooking times can vary. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and the juiciest results. You can also broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
- Finish with fresh herbs. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley after the dish is cooked. It adds a burst of freshness and a pop of colour that makes the dish feel even more special!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Adding vinegar to chicken helps in a couple of awesome ways! In general, vinegar acts as a tenderizer—its acidity breaks down proteins, making the chicken extra juicy and tender. Plus, it adds a nice tangy kick that balances out richer flavours.
For this recipe, the splash of balsamic vinegar really helps bring out the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes while giving the chicken a subtle, savory tang. It just ties everything together and adds a little depth of flavour that makes the whole dish pop!
In general, you don’t need to cover chicken when baking in the oven unless you’re cooking it at a lower temperature or want to keep it extra moist. Leaving it uncovered helps the skin get crispy and golden, which is what we all love!
For this recipe, I recommend leaving the chicken uncovered. The goal is that crispy, golden skin on the drumsticks, and the tomatoes will release enough juice to keep everything juicy without needing to cover it. You’ll get that perfect balance of crispy and tender with the chicken, and the tomatoes will burst into a delicious sauce.
To store leftover chicken with tomatoes, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the chicken and tomatoes are fully covered to keep them fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. The tomatoes might release some extra juices as they reheat, but that just adds more flavour to the dish!
MORE DELICIOUS CHICKEN RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY
SERIOUSLY THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES AND GARLIC
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken Drumsticks skin on
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
- 5 Cloves Garlic (halved if big)
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with clean paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the drumsticks in the mixture, making sure each drumstick is well-coated.
- Place the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss lightly to coat.
- Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on the same baking sheet or dish as the tomatoes. Arrange them so the chicken has room to crisp up, and the tomatoes are surrounding them.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken drumsticks are golden, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cherry tomatoes should be soft and bursting with flavour by the time the chicken is ready.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of colour and extra flavour. Serve the drumsticks with the burst cherry tomatoes spooned on top or on the side.
Video
Notes
The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!
