Name: Creamy Chicken Drumsticks (With Rice)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6–8 chicken drumsticks; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp flour (for thickening); 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp butter; 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender, oven-baked or pan-seared chicken drumsticks simmered in a rich, savory cream sauce. Served over fluffy white rice, this recipe delivers deep flavor, satisfying textures, and a restaurant-quality result with minimal effort. It is ideal for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for hosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and exceptional flavor balance. The drumsticks are juicy and well-seasoned, while the creamy sauce brings warmth and richness without being overly heavy. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. It is also highly adaptable—herbs, spices, and aromatics can easily be adjusted to personal preference. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this recipe provides a reliable, comforting meal that feels both homestyle and refined.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken drumsticks
salt
black pepper
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
olive oil or butter
minced garlic
chicken broth
heavy cream
Dijon mustard (optional for extra depth)
dried or fresh parsley
cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the drumsticks until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits.
Stir in heavy cream and a small amount of Dijon mustard, if using, to enrich the sauce.
Return the drumsticks to the pan, reduce heat to low, and cover.
Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Uncover and allow the sauce to thicken for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over warm white rice.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Herb Cream Sauce: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for deeper herbal flavor.
Mushroom Cream Drumsticks: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory version.
Tomato-Cream Blend: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a rosy, tangy sauce.
Spicy Cream Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Lemon Cream Drumsticks: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Why are my drumsticks not browning?

The pan may not be hot enough; ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the chicken.

Can I make this with chicken thighs or breasts?

Yes, thighs work extremely well; breasts should be cooked carefully to prevent dryness.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Milk will make a thinner sauce; half-and-half is a better substitute.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce.

Can I bake the drumsticks instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (205°C) for 35–40 minutes, then finish them in the cream sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or peas pair nicely with this dish.

Is the mustard necessary?

No, it simply enhances flavor depth but can be omitted.

Can I use bone-in thighs?

Absolutely; cook for the same amount of time as drumsticks.

Does this work with coconut milk?

Yes, for a non-dairy version, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter.

What rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but jasmine, basmati, or brown rice also pair well.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Drumsticks with Rice offers a satisfying and comforting meal that is easy to prepare yet full of refined flavor. The tender chicken and luscious cream sauce create a harmonious dish that pairs beautifully with rice. This recipe is adaptable, dependable, and ideal for everyday dinners or special occasions where you want to serve something memorable with minimal complexity.

Creamy Chicken Drumsticks (With Rice)

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Tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a rich, creamy sauce and served over fluffy rice for a comforting, hearty meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden; remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve any browned bits.
Add heavy cream, sour cream, thyme, and additional seasoning as needed.
Return the drumsticks to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce as desired.
Serve drumsticks and creamy sauce over warm white rice, garnished with fresh parsley.