Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to prepare, this slow cooker dish featuring chicken drumsticks is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Packed with flavors from paprika, garlic, and colorful bell peppers, this recipe requires minimal effort and ensures a tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds chicken drumsticks
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
14-ounce can diced tomatoes
4 teaspoons paprika
1 cup chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours on low
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This simple recipe guarantees a fulfilling and fragrant meal that your whole family will love. Enjoy the robust flavors and ease of preparation with this delightful slow-cooked chicken dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Season them generously with paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Tomatoes
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, distributing them evenly around the chicken. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices and add chicken stock to the mixture.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and infused with the flavors of the other ingredients.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers
During the last hour of cooking, introduce the sliced green and red bell peppers to the slow cooker. This will allow them to soften without losing their crunch and vibrant color.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is fully cooked, serve the dish hot alongside your preferred side dish, such as rice or a salad.
Notes
Cooking Time
Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute chicken drumsticks with thighs or breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking allows the chicken drumsticks to become tender and infused with flavor from the seasonings and other ingredients. The low, steady heat breaks down the meat over time, resulting in juicy and flavorful pieces.
Layering Ingredients
When preparing the dish, layering the ingredients in the slow cooker helps to build flavor. Start with the chicken at the bottom, followed by seasonings, onions, garlic, and finally the tomatoes and stock. This method ensures maximum flavor infusion.
Timing for Vegetables
Adding the sliced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking prevents them from becoming too soft. This technique retains some crunch and allows the peppers to maintain their vibrant color.
Seasoning
Seasoning the chicken drumsticks before adding other ingredients is crucial for enhancing the overall dish’s flavor. The spices will permeate the meat as it cooks, resulting in a savory meal.
Cooking Liquid
Using chicken stock along with canned diced tomatoes provides moisture and flavor, creating a delicious sauce that complements the chicken. The balance of liquid ensures that the dish does not dry out during the cooking process.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted for drumsticks. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you could mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir it into the sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken dish?
This chicken dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of the cooking times, adding firmer vegetables earlier and softer ones like zucchini later to prevent overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can portion leftovers into containers and store them in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked chicken drumstick recipe combines tender meat with flavorful vegetables and spices, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. The easy preparation and rich taste are sure to please your family and friends, providing a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Combine roasted zucchini, carrots, and potatoes with similar seasonings for a delicious side dish to accompany your chicken.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Pair the chicken with garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce from the slow cooker.
Quinoa Salad
Serve on a bed of quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, and cilantro for a nutritious and colorful option.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Create a quick vegetable stir-fry with leftover bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein for a fresh, vibrant dish.
Chicken Tacos
Shred the cooked chicken and use it as filling for tacos, topped with avocado, cheese, and salsa for a fun twist.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Oven-bake sweet potato wedges seasoned with salt and pepper as a sweet complement to the savory chicken dish.
Pasta Primavera
Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables and a light olive oil dressing for a hearty meal.
