Comforting Slow-Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Rich Homemade Gravy
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat25gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (preferably fresh from the meat section, skin-on for extra flavor)8 pieces
- Salt (use fine table salt for even seasoning)1.5 tsp
- Ground black pepper (freshly ground if possible)1 tsp
- Paprika (adds subtle smoky flavor and color)1 tsp
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Onion powder1 tsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)2 tbsp
- Chicken broth or stock (low sodium to control saltiness)1 cup
- All-purpose flour (for thickening gravy)2 tbsp
- Butter2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)1 tbsp
This recipe shows you how to slow cook juicy chicken drumsticks that are falling-off-the-bone tender, paired with a savory homemade gravy made from the cooking juices. It's perfect for an easy yet delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11, £9, and ₹900. This dish contains around 450 kcal per serving. It is suitable for a balanced diet and takes medium difficulty and about 4 hours total to prepare and cook. Food safety is emphasized with recommended internal temperature guidance for safe poultry consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken drumsticks
1Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispier skin and better browning. Season the drumsticks evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Brown the chicken
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the drumsticks and brown them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This seals in juices and adds flavor. Once browned, transfer drumsticks to the slow cooker.
Add broth to slow cooker
3Pour one cup of chicken broth into the slow cooker over the chicken. This will help keep the meat moist and form the base of the gravy.
Slow cook the chicken
4Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching the bone to check.
Make the gravy
5Once cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks and keep warm. Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan or keep the slow cooker on the 'Keep Warm' setting with the lid off. Melt butter in a small pan and whisk in flour to make a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Slowly add the cooking juices while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened to a gravy consistency.
Serve and garnish
6Serve the chicken drumsticks with the homemade gravy poured generously over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting slow-cooked chicken dish!
Cooking Tips
1If you do not have a slow cooker, you can cook the drumsticks in a covered oven-proof dish at 150°C (300°F) for 1.5 to 2 hours.
2For extra flavor, add sliced onions and garlic cloves to the slow cooker before cooking.
3Make sure to use a food-safe thermometer to check internal temperatures, especially for poultry, to ensure food safety.
4Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw chicken and other ingredients, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet or frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces, skin-on) - approx. $6.00 (Choose fresh, firm chicken with no discoloration or unpleasant odor.)
- [ ] Olive oil (approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp)
- [ ] Chicken broth (1 cup) - approx. $1.00 (Look for low sodium or make your own for best flavor.)
- [ ] All-purpose flour (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.05
- [ ] Butter (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.30
- [ ] Spices: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder - approx. $1.00 total (Choose fresh spices and store in airtight containers.)
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - approx. $1.00
Total estimated cost: $8.85
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the drumstick, not touching the bone. The juices should run clear with no pink.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding chunks of carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker with the chicken is a great way to make a complete meal.
How do I avoid the gravy being lumpy?
Make a roux by whisking butter and flour together first until bubbly, then slowly add the cooking juices while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the seasoned and browned drumsticks covered in a casserole dish with broth at 150°C (300°F) for 1.5 to 2 hours until fully cooked and tender.