Hearty & Healthy Stewed Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs12gram
Fat18gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (skin-on for flavor or skinless for leaner option)8 piece
- Olive oil (choose extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits)2 tbsp
- Onion (medium, diced)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (minced, fresh for best aroma)3 piece
- Carrot (medium, sliced)2 piece
- Celery stalks (chopped)2 piece
- Canned diced tomatoes (choose no salt added if possible)400 g
- Chicken broth (low sodium)500 ml
- Dried thyme1 tsp
- Bay leaf1 piece
- Salt (to taste)to taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)to taste n/a
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)2 tbsp
This hearty and healthy stewed chicken drumsticks recipe offers tender chicken slowly cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth, enriched with aromatic vegetables and herbs. It's a nutritious meal perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, featuring juicy chicken drumsticks stewed to perfection while keeping health and safety in mind. The total cost of ingredients for this recipe is approximately $10 USD, €9, £7.50, and ₹820. The dish provides about 350 kcal per serving and fits well within a balanced diet focusing on whole foods and moderate fat. Complexity is easy, and total cooking time is about 1 hour 10 minutes (including prep). This recipe encourages safe cooking temperatures and good kitchen hygiene practices to ensure a delicious and safe meal for your family.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the ingredients
1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food to ensure safety. Rinse chicken under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the celery. This prep makes cooking smoother and ensures even flavors.
Brown the chicken drumsticks
2Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken drumsticks and brown them on all sides for about 8 minutes total. This step seals in juices and adds depth to your stew. Use a thermometer to confirm to at least 74°C (165°F) internally during later cooking to ensure safety; browning is just for flavor.
Sauté vegetables
3Remove chicken from pot and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until onions are soft and translucent. This base adds sweetness and texture to your stew.
Add liquids and seasonings
4Return the drumsticks to the pot. Add canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine ingredients. This mixture will simmer and flavor the chicken thoroughly.
Simmer the stew
5Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F); use a meat thermometer to check this. The slow simmer tenderizes the chicken and enhances flavor.
Finish and serve
6Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot with your choice of side like rice or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness; this ensures safety and prevents overcooking.
2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and any surfaces or utensils that touch raw chicken.
3If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid during the last 10 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
4For added flavor, marinate the drumsticks in some herbs and lemon juice for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Equipment Needed
- Large cooking pot with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring jug
- Meat thermometer
- Stirring spoon
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces) — Approx. $5. Choose fresh looking with pink skin, no foul smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) — Approx. $0.50 for the amount used. Use good-quality for best flavor and health benefits.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) — Approx. $0.30. Pick firm, dry-skinned onions without soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) — Approx. $0.20. Choose firm, plump cloves.
- [ ] Carrots (2 medium) — Approx. $0.40. Look for firm and bright orange carrots.
- [ ] Celery stalks (2 pieces) — Approx. $0.40. Select crisp and green celery.
- [ ] Canned diced tomatoes (400g) — Approx. $1. Use no salt added for healthier option.
- [ ] Chicken broth (low sodium, 500ml) — Approx. $1. Use low sodium to control salt level.
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) — Approx. $0.10.
- [ ] Bay leaf (1 piece) — Approx. $0.05.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) — Approx. $0.50.
Total estimated cost: Approximately $9.45
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will produce similarly tasty results. Adjust cooking time if needed, ensuring they also reach 74°C internally.
How can I thicken the stew if it is too liquid?
Remove the lid in the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew while simmering to thicken.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
Browning adds flavor and color but is optional. If skipped, the stew will be lighter in color but still delicious.