Paprika Chicken Drumsticks
Garlic and Paprika Chicken – Succulently baked, crispy, juicy, and tender chicken drumsticks coated in a garlic and smoked paprika sauce. This chicken recipe has been featured on the blog for years and remains a favorite among readers!
The Ultimate Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe
If your spice cabinet lacks smoked paprika, allow me to enlighten you, my friend. It merges the sweetness of regular paprika with a hint of smokiness, adding remarkable depth to virtually any dish you can envision! This chicken is so tender it falls off the bone, drenched in a sauce so delectable that you will find yourself licking your plate clean once it’s finished.
Not only is this recipe a favorite among readers, but it is also a staple in my kitchen as it ranks among my personal favorites! I frequently prepare it, especially when hosting guests. In other words, it is incredibly quick to assemble and leaves a lasting impression.
Reasons to Adore This Garlic And Paprika Chicken Recipe
Extremely Simple! With fewer than 10 ingredients, this delightful chicken recipe is remarkably easy to make! There’s no need for fancy equipment or special ingredients, and it only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
Sweet and Smoky Chicken! Infused with plenty of fresh garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs with a hint of heat, these chicken drumsticks are tender to the bone and irresistibly delicious.
A Party Favorite! Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, this garlic and paprika chicken is sure to please a crowd. Moreover, if you omit the spicy red pepper flakes, this recipe becomes kid-friendly.
Ingredients Required
Ingredients necessary for preparing garlic and paprika chicken.
Chicken – I opted for drumsticks today, but feel free to use any chicken cut you prefer! This sauce is exceptional regardless of the cut.
Olive oil – We desire a neutral-tasting oil that will help our spice blend adhere to the chicken and crisp up the exterior beautifully.
Garlic – Use as much or as little as you prefer.
Spices – Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes if desired.
How To Prepare Garlic And Paprika Chicken
This quick and simple drumstick recipe will demonstrate how seasoning chicken with a touch of paprika and spices sautéed in olive oil can be a transformative experience! It introduces remarkable layers of flavor with minimal effort!
Preheat The Oven
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) so it is prepared for the chicken once it is seasoned. Next, take a 9×13-inch baking dish, apply non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside for later use. Alternatively, you may opt for a rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper, but a baking dish is preferable for this recipe.
Sauté The Chicken Seasoning
This recipe involves sautéing the seasonings that will flavor the chicken. Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and herbs to the skillet, and sauté the mixture for approximately 1 minute. It is crucial to avoid burning the garlic, so do not exceed one minute of cooking time.
Season The Chicken Drumsticks
Before seasoning the chicken, use paper towels to pat the drumsticks dry, eliminating any excess moisture. Generously season them with salt and black pepper to taste, and place them in a large bowl. Then, pour the olive oil mixture over the drumsticks and toss them to ensure they are well coated with the seasonings.
Bake The Chicken
Once the drumsticks are evenly coated in the paprika and olive oil mixture, it is time to bake! Transfer the chicken legs to the baking dish and place them in the preheated oven to bake for approximately 45 minutes. To ensure they are fully cooked, the legs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a digital cooking thermometer. When the garlic and paprika chicken is finished, serve it alongside your favorite sides for a delightful meal!
Alternative Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker
Combine the ingredients for the sauce along with the oil in a bag containing the chicken drumsticks and shake to ensure an even coating. Arrange sliced white onion at the bottom of your slow cooker and place the chicken on top. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 4 hours.
Pressure Cooker
Pour a cup of water or chicken broth into the pressure cooker and position the included trivet on top. Place the sauce ingredients and drumsticks in a bag, shaking thoroughly to coat the chicken completely. Position the chicken over the trivet and secure the lid according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook on manual HIGH for 15 minutes, then allow the steam to release naturally before serving the chicken hot.
Using Paprika in Cooking
Culinary traditions that incorporate paprika understand the importance of being generous with this spice, as it enhances dishes with depth and a subtle heat. Smoked paprika provides slightly more heat than its regular counterpart, so consider this while preparing your meals. Use caution with paprika, as it can easily burn if heated directly in a skillet.
This spice complements nearly any protein dish, can be added to omelettes or scrambled eggs, and is delightful when sprinkled over soft cheeses like brie before being baked until gooey in the oven.
Professional Advice
Dry the chicken thoroughly. It is essential to pat the chicken dry with paper towels prior to seasoning with salt and pepper. Eliminating excess moisture will result in crispier drumsticks.
Avoid burning the garlic. Garlic should only be cooked for 1 minute alongside the other spices. If it burns, it will impart a bitter flavor to the chicken.
Check the chicken's temperature. To ensure that your drumsticks are fully cooked, utilize an instant-read digital meat thermometer to confirm they have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Leftovers
Fridge
When stored in a properly cooled, airtight container, this chicken dish can last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven, depending on your preference, when you are ready to enjoy it.
Freezer
Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet and freeze them until completely solid. Afterward, transfer the drumsticks into a freezer bag or an airtight container. This method will preserve them for 4 to 6 months. When you are ready to eat, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, and savor the meal!
Two garlic and paprika chicken drumsticks served over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes To Try
- Roast Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
- One Pan Roasted Honey Orange Chicken And Potatoes
- Chicken Rice Pilaf
- Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Marbella
Notes
If you are unable to locate smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used as a substitute.
This spice mixture is suitable for any variety of chicken. The cooking time will remain consistent for both breasts and leg quarters.
Pat the chicken dry. It is essential to dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels prior to seasoning with salt and pepper. Eliminating excess moisture will enhance the crispiness of the drumsticks.
Avoid burning the garlic. The garlic should only be sautéed for 1 minute alongside the other spices. If it becomes burnt, it will impart a bitter flavor to the chicken.
Check the chicken's temperature. To ensure that your drumsticks are completely cooked, it is advisable to utilize an instant-read digital meat thermometer to confirm they have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
When stored in an airtight container and properly cooled, this chicken dish can be preserved in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when you are ready to enjoy it.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumstics
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 tsp paprika
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- rind of 1 lemon
- salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius approx 400 Fahrenheit
Line a roasting pan with baking paper (you don’t have to but it does make clean up easier)
Place the drums in the roasting pan, keep them single layer with just a little space between each
In a small bowl whisk together the marinade, oil, paprika, garlic, lemon rind and salt (you can use a whisk or fork, you just want it well combined
Pour the marinade over the drums, I use a brush to spread it evenly
Bake in the hot oven for 45 mins, if you like a crispier skin, at the 40 min mark baste the drums with the pan juices and pop your oven on grill for the final 5 mins of cooking. Serve. Cool. Enjoy the Paprika Chicken Drumsticks recipes !!!
Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Video :