Description
Tender chicken drumsticks slowly braised in a rich, savory sauce until fall-off-the-bone soft. This easy slow-cooker dinner delivers deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a hearty weekday meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken drumsticks and lightly brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, tomato paste, soy sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Sauce and Bay Leaf: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Place the bay leaf on top.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the braised chicken drumsticks hot with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- If desired, thicken the sauce before serving by reducing it in a pan or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- This recipe works well for meal prep; leftovers taste great reheated the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
