Description
Paprika chicken drumsticks deliver pure comfort straight from the kitchen, bringing bold flavors that dance across your dinner plate. Tender meat seasoned with rich spices makes this simple recipe a weeknight winner your family will absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Accompaniment:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Crank your oven to 400°F. Pat 6 chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle each drumstick generously with 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear drumsticks until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, rotating every 90 seconds, about 5-6 minutes total.
- Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Roast drumsticks for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Dust 1 tbsp flour over the softened vegetables. Sprinkle in dried thyme and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to cook out raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour 1 cup chicken broth into the pan, whisking constantly. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate ¾ cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 5-6 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return roasted drumsticks to the skillet. Spoon sauce generously over each piece, letting them simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
- Scatter 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley across the top. Serve immediately over 2 cups steamed white rice.
Notes
- Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in all the delicious flavors.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and to create a beautiful sear that adds depth to the chicken’s flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, which still provides creaminess without as much fat.
- Fresh thyme makes a significant difference in the sauce, but dried thyme works perfectly if fresh isn’t available – just use about one-third the amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 576 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg