Crispy Drumsticks with Flaky Biscuits and Sweet Tomato Jam

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These drumsticks, with their golden crispy skin, paired with the light and fluffy biscuits, create the ultimate comfort food combination. The sweetness of the tomato jam balances the savory richness of the chicken, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, these drumsticks with biscuits and tomato jam are sure to become a new favorite.

Not only is this dish simple to make, but it’s also versatile. You can experiment with different jams or sauces, like a spicy pepper jelly, to switch up the flavor profile. The addition of fresh herbs as a garnish brings a vibrant touch that elevates the dish, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Full Recipe:

8 chicken drumsticks
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup whole milk

1 cup homemade or store-bought tomato jam
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the drumsticks with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add drumsticks and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the drumsticks are cooking, prepare the biscuits. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pour in the milk and stir until the dough just comes together.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a few times. Roll it out to about 1-inch thickness and cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter or a glass.
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

To serve, arrange the drumsticks on a platter, drizzle with tomato jam, and serve with biscuits on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

While chicken drumsticks are a staple in many global cuisines, Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is rooted in the comfort food traditions of the American South. Southern cuisine has long been celebrated for its hearty meals that make use of simple, everyday ingredients, elevating them into something spectacular. The combination of fried or baked chicken and biscuits is a classic pairing in Southern kitchens, a dish often served for Sunday dinners or large family gatherings.

The addition of tomato jam to this dish is a more recent innovation, blending the savory taste of chicken with a sweet, tangy element that brings a unique twist. Tomato jam itself is an American creation, especially popular in the South. The jam is made by cooking tomatoes down with sugar and spices, resulting in a thick, sweet sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether spread on biscuits, served alongside meats, or even added to sandwiches, tomato jam offers a new layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience of this dish.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the great things about Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is its versatility. You can make small tweaks to suit your tastes or to create variations inspired by different cultures or regions. For example:

Spicy Tomato Jam: If you enjoy a little heat, you can add chili flakes or hot peppers to the tomato jam to give it a spicy kick. This is a common variation in regions where spicy flavors are preferred, such as in the Southwestern United States.
Biscuits with Herbs: While traditional biscuits are made simply with flour, butter, and milk, you can easily enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder. These additions will infuse the biscuits with extra flavor, providing a fragrant, savory complement to the drumsticks and jam.
Gravy Variation: Another Southern favorite is to serve the biscuits with a creamy gravy. A sausage gravy or a simple white gravy could be a great addition to the meal, especially if you’re aiming for an even richer flavor profile.

Chicken Variations: If you prefer a different cut of chicken, you could swap out the drumsticks for thighs or even a whole roasted chicken. The cooking method would need to be adjusted, but the base recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptation: For a vegetarian version of this dish, consider replacing the chicken with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms. Additionally, to make it vegan, swap the butter in the biscuits for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the dough.

Nutritional Information

Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is a rich and flavorful dish, so it’s important to understand its nutritional profile to enjoy it mindfully. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional elements:

Chicken Drumsticks: A serving of roasted drumstick typically contains around 180-200 calories, with a good balance of protein (about 20-25 grams per drumstick). Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which supports muscle health and helps keep you feeling full. It also contains essential vitamins like B6, which is vital for metabolism, and niacin, which helps in digestion and skin health.
Biscuits: Traditional biscuits can range between 100-200 calories per serving, depending on the size and the amount of butter used. Biscuits are high in carbohydrates, which provide a quick energy boost, but they can also be high in fats due to the butter. The key here is moderation, as biscuits can be a calorie-dense component of the dish.

Tomato Jam: Tomato jam adds around 50-80 calories per tablespoon, mostly from sugar. However, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health, immune function, and vision. If you make your own tomato jam, you can control the amount of sugar used to make it a healthier option.
Overall Nutritional Value: For the entire dish, you’re looking at approximately 370 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes. The meal is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats, offering a balanced serving of macronutrients. However, it’s also important to note that the dish can be high in sodium due to the tomato jam and biscuits, so it’s advisable to watch the salt content.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it further with sides or beverages:

Side Dishes: Consider serving this dish with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, to add a nutritious vegetable component to the meal. A simple salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette would also be a refreshing addition. For a heartier side, mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese would fit in perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken and biscuits.
Beverages: When it comes to beverages, try pairing the meal with a glass of iced tea, a classic Southern drink. If you’re looking for something with a bit more sophistication, a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp rosé would complement the flavors of the chicken and tomato jam. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemon soda or a homemade lemonade would also work wonderfully.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Drumsticks: To get the crispiest skin on your drumsticks, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing. This removes excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from crisping up. Additionally, using a high-heat method like roasting or baking at 400°F (200°C) will ensure the skin crisps up nicely.
Flaky Biscuits Every Time: The key to flaky biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible. Mix the ingredients just until they come together and avoid overworking the dough. Also, make sure your butter is cold when you incorporate it into the dough—this creates pockets of air that give the biscuits their signature flakiness.
Tomato Jam Variations: If you want to experiment with different flavors for the tomato jam, try adding ingredients like balsamic vinegar for acidity or brown sugar for extra richness. A touch of cinnamon or smoked paprika can bring a unique depth to the jam, too.

Potential Health Benefits

While Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is undeniably a comfort food dish, it still offers some nutritional benefits:

Chicken: As mentioned earlier, chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. It also contains important minerals like phosphorus and selenium, which support bone health and the immune system.

Tomatoes: The tomato jam brings several health benefits due to the high levels of antioxidants found in tomatoes, including lycopene, which has been shown to promote heart health and protect against certain cancers.
Herbs: If you choose to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, these herbs can also contribute to health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and a boost to digestion.

Conclusion

Drumsticks with Biscuits and Tomato Jam is a dish that offers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and heartiness. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great option for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let the rich, comforting flavors transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine!

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