Juicy roasted drumsticks in a creamy paprika sauce served over fluffy rice—this is the comforting, flavor-packed dinner you’ll crave on repeat. Perfect for family nights, meal prep, or when you want something easy but gourmet.
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Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice
Description
Tender roasted chicken drumsticks smothered in a smoky, creamy paprika sauce, served over fluffy white rice. This comforting dish combines rich flavors with a satisfying, hearty textureperfect for a gourmet-style dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken drumsticks dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large ovenproof skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden, about 56 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 2025 minutes until fully cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in thyme, red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cream, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 56 minutes, then add chopped parsley.
- Once chicken is done, return to the stovetop. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks and let simmer for 23 minutes.
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice, garnished with more parsley.
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on drumsticks for maximum flavor and moisture.
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, but the smoky flavor adds depth.
To reduce richness, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 40g
