smothered chicken drumsticks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best smothered chicken drumsticks recipe

I’ve been making smothered chicken drumsticks for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The dish is a staple in the Southern United States, where it’s been a popular comfort food for generations.

I love how the crispy outside gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside, all smothered in a rich and tangy sauce. My kids adore it, and it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes. I’ve even convinced my husband to eat more veggies by serving them on the side with this dish.

The key to this recipe is the technique of ‘smothering’ the chicken in the sauce, which involves cooking the sauce separately until it thickens and then pouring it over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor and texture.

The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.

Smothered Chicken Drumsticks

4.5 from 1155 votes

Tender chicken drumsticks cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Gravy

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season chicken drumsticks with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Set aside.
3In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
4Add the chicken drumsticks skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5Flip the drumsticks and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir in the flour to create a roux.
10Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
11Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
12Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, and garlic powder to the skillet.
13Stir well to combine.
14Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken slightly.
15Return the chicken drumsticks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
16Spoon the gravy over the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated.
17Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
18Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
19This allows the gravy to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb some of the flavors.
20Serve the smothered chicken drumsticks hot, with the gravy spooned over the top.
21Enjoy with your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added heat, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the gravy. For a creamier gravy, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving.

Watch Video Of How Smothered Chicken Drumsticks Works

Smothered chicken drumsticks are a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or milk to the gravy if it has thickened too much.

I like to serve this dish with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

The rich, creamy gravy and tender chicken make it a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Smothered Chicken Drumsticks

1.

Q: What type of chicken drumsticks should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken drumsticks for this recipe. Bone-in drumsticks will be more moist and tender, while boneless drumsticks will cook faster. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning them.

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