Succulent Slow Cooked Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat22gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks, skin on6 pieces
- Garlic cloves, minced (choose fresh, firm cloves)4 pieces
- Olive oil (prefer extra virgin for better flavor)2 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Paprika (optional, adds nice color and subtle smoky flavor)1 tsp
- Chicken broth or water100 ml
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for aroma and flavor)1 tbsp
This slow cooked chicken drumstick recipe infused with garlic is perfect for busy home cooks wanting tender, juicy chicken with rich flavor. Using basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll get fall-off-the-bone drumsticks simmered to perfection. The garlic infuses the meat wonderfully, making it irresistible. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800. Each serving provides approximately 350 kcal, making it suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is easy in complexity and takes about 4 to 5 hours to cook with minimal hands-on time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken drumsticks
1Rinse chicken drumsticks under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any residue and allows seasoning to adhere better. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid cross-contamination.
Season the chicken
2Place the drumsticks in a bowl. Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Toss well to evenly coat each piece with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
Arrange drumsticks in slow cooker
3Place the seasoned drumsticks evenly in the slow cooker pot. Pour the chicken broth or water around the edges to provide moisture while cooking. Add fresh rosemary or thyme on top if using.
Cook the chicken slowly
4Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours. The slow cooking at low temperature will tenderize the meat while infusing garlic flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steady temperature.
Check internal temperature and serve
5After 4 hours, use a digital meat thermometer to check the thickest drumstick's internal temperature. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. If it hasn't reached this, cook for another 30 minutes and check again. Once done, carefully remove drumsticks and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips
-Use a slow cooker liner to make clean-up easier.
-If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the drumsticks covered at 160°C (320°F) for about 1.5 hours.
-Make sure to avoid using the same utensils or cutting boards for raw and cooked chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
-For extra crispy skin, you can quickly broil the cooked drumsticks in the oven for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Digital meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and garlic press or mincer
- Tongs or spoon for mixing
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (6 pieces, fresh from the meat counter) - approx. $6
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces, firm and fresh) - approx. $0.50
- [ ] Olive oil (check for extra virgin) - approx. $1 for small quantity
- [ ] Salt - approx. $0.10
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground preferred) - approx. $0.20
- [ ] Paprika (optional) - approx. $0.50
- [ ] Chicken broth or stock (100 ml, can use cube dissolved in water) - approx. $1
- [ ] Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, small bunch) - approx. $1
Tips:
- Choose chicken drumsticks with smooth skin and no smell.
- Fresh garlic cloves should be firm and not sprouting.
- Use a good quality olive oil for best taste.
- Fresh herbs add aroma but can be skipped if unavailable.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw the drumsticks completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid food safety risks.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake the drumsticks in a covered baking dish at 160°C (320°F) for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick. It must reach at least 74°C (165°F) to be safe.
Can I add vegetables in the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding potatoes, carrots, or onions at the start is great and they will cook alongside the chicken.