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    Home » Lunch and Dinner

    Boiled Chicken Drumsticks

    Dated: May 7, 2023 . Modified: May 7, 2023 by Kate Hahnel

    Jump to Recipe

    Say hallo to tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with this simple and quick boiled chicken drumsticks recipe.

    Craving other easy recipes? Then make my Air Fryer Roasted Whole Chicken, African Hot Sauce Pili Pili, or this refreshing Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water next!

    Boiled chicken drumsticks (legs)

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, at no extra cost to you.

    We love making boiled chicken drumsticks! They are quick, super-easy to make, and are always perfect to have for soup, shredding, or for baking or grilling.

    why this boiled chicken drumsticks recipe works

    Apart from the fact that these chicken drumsticks require less than 30 minutes to cook, there are so many reasons to love this recipe!

    • flavorful and delicious: packed with protein and low in calories, this is an easy meal that everyone will enjoy!
    • versatile: enjoy it as a soup, use the chicken in salads and casseroles or simply use the broth to cook rice and other dishes!
    • budget-friendly: Chicken is mostly less expensive than other meats, and boiling it can help stretch your budget further.
    • healthy: boiled chicken legs are healthy and suitable for most diets such as keto, paleo and whole-30. At 181 calories per 95 grams, they are also low in calories. You can read more about the calories in boiled chicken legs here.
    A plate of boiled chicken legs

    ingredients

    Here is a summary of the ingredients you will need to make boiled chicken drumsticks, as well as possible options for substitution. See the full measurements in the recipe card provided below.

    Ingredients needed to make boiled drumsticks
    • bone-in chicken drumsticks (or legs) - while you can use boneless chicken, bone-in drumsticks add lots of flavor to the broth so I totally recommend using these.
    • water for boiling.
    • seasoning - chicken stock cube, salt, pepper.
    • fresh vegetables - I used an onion, carrots, and a leek, but honestly vegetables such as turnips and celery will do.
    • herbs and aromatics: juniper seeds (berries), bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and some fresh parsley to garnish (optional - not pictured).

    how to make boiled chicken drumsticks

    This is a summary of how to make boiled chicken drumsticks. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card provided below.

    Chicken drumsticks, seasonings, and herbs in a pot.
    Ingredients needed to make boiled drumsticks in a pot.
    Chicken drumsticks boiling in a pot.
    1. Begin by cutting the vegetables (onion, leek, and carrots) into chunks. Place chicken drumsticks in a large pot with salt, pepper, chicken bouillon, bay leaves, rosemary, juniper berries, and the chopped vegetables.
    1. Cover with enough cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
    1. Once cooked, remove the chicken and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Strain and serve the chicken legs, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge/freezer for later. Optionally, broil the chicken to crisp up the skin before serving.

    how long does it take to boil chicken drumsticks?

    The time it takes to boil chicken drumsticks will depend on their size and thickness. Generally, bone-in chicken drumsticks will require 25 minutes per pound of meat to cook. Frozen drumsticks require more time, approximately 40-45 minutes. To make sure that the chicken is cooked through, check using an internal meat thermometer and make sure that each chicken drumstick is cooked to the FDA recommended minimal safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

    how to use boiled chicken legs

    In addition to enjoying the boiled drumsticks as they are once cooked, I also like to top my drumsticks with some Peri Peri Spice or Xawaash Seasoning, before briefly grilling them in the oven. It just doesn't end there as chicken legs are so versatile! Here are other ways to use them in recipes:-

    • the easiest way is to enjoy them as they are! Simply garnish with some chopped parsley or your favorite herbs, and serve!
    • strain the broth, and serve it with the drumsticks and the vegetables.
    • remove the skin and use to make dishes such as salads, enchiladas, and chicken tacos.
    • top with some barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or your favorite sauces and broil in the oven, or air fryer!
    • shred the chicken and use it to make soups, stews, pot pies, and casseroles!
    • serve with some rice, garlic bread, or boiled potatoes!

    refrigeration and freezing

    Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    useful tips

    • skin-on chicken drumsticks tend to create a fatty layer on the broth from the fat under the skin. Seeing that this can taste unpleasant to some people, you may want to spoon off some of the extra fat floating on top, especially whenever you are serving the chicken with the broth.
    • Don't chuck the broth, keep it in airtight jars for use in recipes instead.
    • When it comes to heat, slow and steady is the way to go! Cooking the chicken at a low, even temperature will yield tender and juicy meat, and prevents the chicken from turning rubbery.

    frequently asked questions

    Can I use chicken thighs or leg quarters for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use chicken thighs or leg quarters; simply boil for 30-35 minutes per pound, depending on the size and thickness. I have to stress that the cooking time is just a guide, most importantly, you want to ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to make sure it has attained the FDA-recommended minimal internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

    more quick and easy family dinner recipes

    These simple, quick, and easy family dinner recipes are a must-try!

    • Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) with vanilla sauce.
      Äppelkaka Swedish Apple Cardamom Cake
    • A picture of homemade peri peri sauce.
      Homemade Nando's Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
    • Bavarian Potato Salad
      Bavarian Potato Salad
    • A picture of a stuffed omelette.
      Mushroom or Ground Beef Stuffed Omelette
    Boiled chicken drumsticks garnished with parsley.

    Great news, you have made it this far which means you probably made or are making this boiled chicken drumsticks recipe! It would go a long way if you could leave a ⭐rating on the recipe card or comment in the comments section below.

    Feel free to follow me on my social channels! Tag me @weeatatlast (formerly paleolowcarbkate) on Instagram, pin it on Pinterest, or like my Facebook for the latest updates! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel or Newsletter for regular recipe notifications!

    📖 Recipe

    Boiled Chicken Drumsticks

    Boiled Chicken Drumsticks

    Kate Hahnel
    Say hallo to tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with this simple and quick boiled chicken drumsticks recipe!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine global cuisine, World Cuisine
    Servings 3
    Calories 255 kcal

    Equipment

    medium-sized pot or pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 chicken drumsticks (legs)
    • water (for boiling)
    • 2 carrots
    • 1 medium-sized onion
    • ½ leek
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
    • black pepper (to taste)
    • a few bay leaves
    • a sprig rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon juniper berries
    • 1 teaspoon oregano

    Instructions
     

    • First, cut the vegetables (onion, leek, and carrots) into chunks.
    • Place chicken drumsticks in a large pot and season them with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon. Top with the bay leaves, rosemary, oregano, and juniper berries. Add the carrots, onion, and leek, as well as enough cold water to cover the drumsticks by 1 inch/2.5 cm.
      Chicken drumsticks, seasonings, and herbs in a pot.
    • Using medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and season with salt and pepper if needed.
      Ingredients needed to make boiled drumsticks in a pot.
    • Strain the broth and serve it alongside the chicken drumsticks, or store the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Optionally, you can broil the chicken to crisp up the skin before serving.
      Chicken drumsticks boiling in a pot.

    Notes

    Nutritional information is calculated as a guide, using the tools that we use and will vary, depending on factors such as the size of chicken drumsticks you use. It excludes the calories from the vegetables.
    • skin-on chicken drumsticks tend to create a fatty layer on the broth from the fat under the skin. Seeing that this can taste unpleasant to some people, you may want to spoon off some of the extra fat floating on top, especially whenever you are serving the chicken with the broth.
    • Don't chuck the broth, keep it in airtight jars for use in recipes instead.
    • When it comes to heat, slow and steady is the way to go! Cooking the chicken at a low, even temperature will yield tender and juicy meat, and prevents the chicken from turning rubbery.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 27gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 939mgPotassium: 338mgSugar: 0.003gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.or simply PIN on Pinterest for later!!

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