Lemon-Infused Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (skin on, bone-in)8 piece
- Fresh lemon, zested and juiced1 piece
- Garlic cloves, minced3 piece
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Dried thyme1 tsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Chicken broth or water0.5 cup
This recipe guides you through making slow-cooked chicken drumsticks infused with the bright flavor of lemon. Slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, perfect for a comforting dinner. The mild lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, enhancing the chicken's natural flavors. It's straightforward, using commonly found ingredients and an everyday slow cooker. The entire recipe costs approximately $10 (about €9, £7.5, ₹800) for 4 servings, providing around 350 calories per serving. Suitable for a gluten-free diet and is easy in complexity. Total cooking and preparation time is about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken drumsticks
1Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This keeps them clean and ready for seasoning, which helps the flavors to stick better.
Mix the marinade
2In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with bright and savory notes.
Coat the chicken
3Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Rub the marinade all over the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Let them marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature; this step helps the flavors seep into the meat.
Prepare the slow cooker
4Pour the chicken broth or water into the base of your slow cooker. This liquid helps create steam and keeps the chicken moist during cooking, preventing it from drying out.
Arrange the chicken in the slow cooker
5Place the marinated chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
Cook the chicken
6Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the chicken for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching bone to check.
Finish and serve
7Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. For a nice skin finish, you can place the drumsticks under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin crisps up. Serve hot with your favorite sides, garnished with fresh lemon slices or herbs if desired.
Cooking Tips
-Always wash your hands and clean surfaces after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
-Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
-If you don’t have fresh lemon, use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest as substitutes.
-Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes in the slow cooker to make it a complete meal.
-For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Small bowl for marinade
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (skin on, bone-in) (~$6 for 8 pieces) - Choose fresh drumsticks with pink, moist skin and no unpleasant odor.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (~$0.5 each) - Select firm lemons with bright, smooth skin.
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.3 for 3 cloves) - Opt for firm bulbs with no mold or soft spots.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$1 for required amount) - Any standard cooking olive oil will work.
- [ ] Dried thyme (~$0.5 for small amount) - Check for aromatic, fresh-smelling herbs.
- [ ] Chicken broth or water (water is free, broth ~ $1) - Use low sodium broth if possible.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - pantry staples.
Total approximate cost: $10
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will cook in a similar amount of time, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in an oven at 160°C (320°F) covered with foil for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the slow cooker gives the best tender results.
Is it safe to leave the chicken in the slow cooker all day?
Yes, slow cookers are designed for all-day cooking, but avoid leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for extended periods after cooking.