Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe

Introduction

This creamy paprika chicken drumsticks recipe offers tender, flavorful meat coated in a rich, velvety sauce. Paired with steamed white rice, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken drumsticks dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Step 2: In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
5. Step 5: Stir in thyme, red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
6. Step 6: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Step 7: Stir in cream, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, then add chopped parsley.
8. Step 8: Once chicken is done, return to the stovetop. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice, garnished with more parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a slight tropical twist.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet before roasting the chicken for a one-pan meal.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from curdling. The steamed rice should be stored separately and reheated with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so reduce roasting time and monitor closely.

Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before pouring over the cooked chicken.

Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks recipe combines tender, oven-roasted chicken with a luscious, flavorful paprika-infused cream sauce, served over fluffy steamed white rice. Perfectly seasoned and enriched with garlic, thyme, and a touch of tomato paste, this comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying family meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Drumsticks

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

Side

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season them evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to ensure a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the drumsticks: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the drumsticks in the skillet and sear them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown color, about 5 to 6 minutes, which locks in the juices.
3. Roast the chicken: Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Roast the drumsticks for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the sauce base: While the chicken is roasting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
5. Incorporate spices and flour: Stir in the dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
6. Add liquids and thicken: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes to develop flavors, then mix in the chopped fresh parsley.
8. Combine chicken and sauce: Once the drumsticks are roasted, remove them from the oven and place the skillet back on the stovetop. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and allow it to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
9. Serve: Spoon the chicken drumsticks and creamy paprika sauce over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, though drumsticks offer great flavor and juiciness.
• For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat to preserve the creamy texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative instead of all-purpose flour for thickening.

Keywords: Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks, Oven-Roasted Chicken, Cream Sauce Chicken, Chicken Drumsticks Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Dinner