Saucy chicken drumsticks

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These chicken drumsticks are seriously tasty and perfect for sharing — serve them as a starter, pile them onto a buffet, or cook up a big batch for a party spread. Juicy, flavour‑packed, and coated in a glossy, sticky sauce, they’re the kind of grab‑and‑go snack that disappears fast.

The sauce cooks down into a savoury glaze that clings to the chicken, making every bite bold, delicious, and impossible to resist… so make sure you prepare plenty.

Serving Suggestions for Saucy Chicken Drumsticks

  • Rice (jasmine, basmati, or coconut) — perfect for soaking up all the extra sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes — creamy mash with saucy drumsticks is cosy and comforting.
  • Roast Potatoes — crisp edges + sticky sauce is always a win.
  • Tomato Salsa or Chimichurri — adds brightness and freshness to saucy drumsticks.
  • Corn on the Cob — buttery, sweet corn balances spicy or smoky drumsticks.
  • Coleslaw or Red Cabbage Salad — crunchy, fresh, and great with rich sauces.
  • Green Vegetables — peas, green beans, tenderstem broccoli for freshness.
  • Roasted Vegetables — peppers, courgettes, carrots, or cauliflower for colour and warmth.
  • Couscous or Quinoa — light grains that soak up the sauce nicely.
  • Flatbreads or Pitta — ideal for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
  • Crispy Chips or Wedges — simple, indulgent, and always satisfying.

Saucy chicken drumsticks

Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine British
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 800 g chicken drumsticks
  • 1 lemon, rind grated and juice
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 200 ml chicken stock

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large frying pan, add the onions and fry over a low heat for 5mins.  Add drumsticks and fry for 10mins to seal, stirring occasionally.
  • Mix together lime juice and rind, paprika, cumin, garlic, salt, tomato puree and stock, pour over the chicken, cover and simmer for 40mins.
  • Once the chicken is cooked  through to the bone and juices run clear, remove from the pan and serve immediately.