Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Slow-Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat20gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (skin on for flavor, skinless if preferred)8 pieces
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced)3 piece
- Onion (sliced)1 medium
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)1 tbsp
- Dried thyme or mixed Italian herbs1 tsp
- Salt1.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
- Chicken broth or water1 cup
- Lemon juice (optional for freshness)1 tbsp
This melt-in-your-mouth tender slow-cooked chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for everyday home cooks seeking a simple, flavorful meal. Using a slow cooker or a low oven heat method, the chicken becomes incredibly juicy and tender, infused with spices and herbs. Safe internal cooking temperatures ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, while easy step-by-step instructions guide you smoothly from start to finish. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD, €9 EUR, £8 GBP, and ₹800 INR. Each serving contains about 350 kcal. This dish suits most diets except strict low-fat. The recipe is easy to medium complexity and takes about 6 hours total, mostly hands-off cooking.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
1Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry very well with paper towels to ensure better browning and to prevent splattering. This step helps the skin crisp up if you are browning them first. Always wash your hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Brown the Drumsticks (Optional but Recommended)
2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add drumsticks and brown each side for about 3 minutes until golden. Browning locks in flavor and gives a lovely color. If you prefer, you can skip this step and go direct to slow cooking.
Prepare the Slow Cooker/Slow Oven Setup
3Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker or casserole dish for the oven. This creates a flavorful base and prevents sticking.
Add Drumsticks and Seasonings
4Lay the drumsticks over the onions and sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Pour chicken broth or water into the pot to add moisture, which keeps the chicken tender during slow cooking.
Slow Cook the Chicken
5Set your slow cooker to low for 5 to 6 hours. If using an oven, cover the dish with a lid or foil and cook at 150°C (300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours. The low temperature and longer time allow collagen breakdown making chicken tender.
Check Internal Temperature and Finish
6Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick; chicken is safely cooked at 74°C (165°F) internal temperature. If the temperature is reached and chicken is tender, it’s ready. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top for a bright finish.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and safety to avoid undercooking or overcooking chicken.
2If you like crispy skin, after slow cooking, place the drumsticks under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin crisps.
3Avoid using the same utensils or plates for raw and cooked chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
4You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water; broth adds more flavor.
5Add chopped vegetables like carrots or potatoes at the bottom along with onions for a one-pot meal.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or oven-safe casserole dish with lid
- Skillet for browning (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces) — Approx. $6. Choose fresh, plump drumsticks with no unpleasant smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) — Approx. $3. Look for extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (1 bulb) — Approx. $0.50. Fresh bulbs with firm cloves.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) — Approx. $0.70. Firm and without soft spots.
- [ ] Paprika (small jar) — Approx. $2. Choose smoked or sweet paprika as per preference.
- [ ] Dried thyme or mixed Italian herbs (small jar) — Approx. $2.
- [ ] Chicken broth (1 cup or one small carton) — Approx. $1. Choose low sodium if available.
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece, optional) — Approx. $0.50.
Total approx. cost: $15.70. Costs vary by location.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work well with slow cooking and will be just as tender and flavorful.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and color.
How do I know when the chicken is safely cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure safety.
Can I leave the slow cooker on overnight?
Yes, but ensure it is set to low and that your slow cooker is designed for overnight cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the bottom of the cooker for a complete meal.