Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-12 Chicken Drumsticks; Olive Oil; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter; Salt & Pepper (to taste); 2 tsp Dried basil; 2 tsp Paprika; 1 1/2 tsp Dried thyme; 2 tsp Rosemary; 2 tbsp Garlic (minced); 1 large onion (minced); 1 Bell pepper (minced); 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp Flour; 1/2 cup Milk; 1/2 cup Heavy cream; 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder or two cubes; 1/4 cup fresh parsley

If you’re longing for comfort food that delivers cozy indulgence and irresistible flavor, Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are about to become a mainstay on your dinner table. Picture golden, herb-crusted drumsticks nestled in an ultra-luscious garlic cream sauce loaded with fresh herbs and tender veggies. Everything mingles in a single skillet, turning basic ingredients into a dish that’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. One bite and you’ll understand why this is a favorite in my kitchen—and soon, in yours!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks lies in how simple pantry staples transform into a showstopping meal. Each ingredient is essential—giving the chicken its flavor, the sauce its silkiness, and the whole dish those comforting vibes you crave.

Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the show; drumsticks stay juicy, tender, and soak up every bit of the creamy garlic sauce.
Olive Oil: For browning the drumsticks, which locks in juices and starts building the flavor base.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sautéed veggies and final sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances all the other flavors—season as you go for best results.
Dried Basil: Brings a whisper of sweetness and classic herb flavor to the chicken.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the chicken’s crust.
Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme makes the chicken and sauce taste extra cozy.
Rosemary: An instant aroma upgrade; a little goes a long way to add freshness and depth.
Garlic (minced): The undisputed hero—garlicky goodness infuses every bite of this dish!
Onion (minced): Offers sweetness and body, helping all the savory notes blend together.
Bell Pepper (minced): Brings pops of color and subtle sweetness to the sauce and presentation.
Chicken Broth: Lifts all those caramelized bits from the pan, forming the backbone of your sauce.
Flour: To create a super silky, thickened sauce that clings to every drumstick.
Milk: Lightens up the sauce just enough, keeping everything creamy but not too heavy.
Heavy Cream: What makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and decadent—don’t skip it!
Chicken Bouillon Powder or Cubes: Intensifies the meaty savoriness of the base.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled in right at the end—it wakes up the whole dish with brightness and color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Give your chicken drumsticks a quick rinse, then pat them completely dry—this helps achieve a crisp, golden exterior. Generously season each drumstick with salt, pepper, paprika, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This mix turns each piece into a little flavor bomb before you even start cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Drumsticks

Heat some olive oil in a sturdy, oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron works wonders here). When the oil shimmers, carefully add your seasoned drumsticks in a single layer. Sear them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden—don’t rush this step! Browning locks in all those juicy flavors and builds the foundation for the Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks sauce you’ll love later.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Transfer your browned drumsticks to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep them warm. In the same skillet—no need to clean, since those caramelized bits are flavor gold—melt the butter. Toss in the minced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they become soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, which takes just a minute but makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir well, letting everything cook for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any stuck bits at the bottom of the pan. When the sauce begins to thicken, add the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Drop in the bouillon powder or cubes and mix until fully dissolved. By now, your sauce will look irresistibly creamy and smooth—the true signature of Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks.

Step 5: Finish in the Oven

Stir a generous handful of chopped parsley into the sauce, then nestle the browned drumsticks back into the skillet. Use a spoon to coat the chicken with the luscious sauce. Pop the entire skillet into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes—enough time for the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through perfectly. When finished, the sauce will bubble, the drumsticks will be ultra-juicy, and you’ll have your new favorite dinner ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Garnishes

Give each portion of Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. If you’re feeling extra, a little shaved parmesan or a few twists of black pepper add both color and savory oomph. The finishing touches make your dish look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

The rich, aromatic sauce just begs to be paired with something to soak it up. My favorites include buttery mashed potatoes, simple steamed white rice, or creamy cauliflower mash if you’re keeping things low-carb. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies provide the perfect fresh contrast to the creamy main.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, arrange Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks family-style in a big skillet or rustic serving dish, ladling extra sauce over the top. Nestling drumsticks in a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or arranging them on individual plates with a drizzle of sauce makes for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even plate two drumsticks atop a swoosh of cauliflower mash for a modern, chef-style look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making leftovers almost better than the original batch! Just make sure the chicken and plenty of sauce are stored together to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks for longer storage. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer chicken pieces and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. Try portioning out the dish for easy reheating later. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their former glory, reheat gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce appears too thick. The microwave works too—just use medium power and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even warmth, and serve with fresh herbs if you have them on hand.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Thighs are an excellent swap and stay moist, though you may want to reduce oven time slightly. Chicken breasts will work, but monitor closely to prevent overcooking; they’ll need less time in the oven than drumsticks.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, try using half-and-half or extra milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be less rich, but still tasty—just simmer a little longer to thicken if needed, or stir in a dollop of cream cheese for a similar texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses flour to thicken the creamy sauce. Swap that for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount) and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks in advance?

Definitely! You can prep and brown the drumsticks and make the sauce up to a day ahead. Assemble everything in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

Why do I need to brown the chicken first?

Browning the drumsticks isn’t just about color; it adds major flavor and creates those tasty bits at the bottom of the skillet that become the foundation of the sauce. This important step really takes your Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks from good to unforgettable!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s comforting, impressive, and purely delicious, Creamy Garlic Chicken Drumsticks truly checks all the boxes. Give this recipe a try, share your beautiful dinners, and prepare for lots of happy eaters around your table—it’s comfort food worth repeating!