Chicken drumsticks with sauce and a side of rice

Chicken Drumsticks with Sauce and Rice Side - Quick and Delicious Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, hearty, and extremely tasty meal, you've come to the perfect recipe! Chicken drumsticks, seasoned with a savory sauce, pair perfectly with fluffy rice. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but also full of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- For the drumsticks with sauce:
- 5 chicken drumsticks
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 3 medium onions
- 2 cups of water
- A little oil for frying
- 1 chicken stock cube
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped

- For the rice side:
- 1 cup of rice
- 2.5 cups of water
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Techniques
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken drumsticks well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities and ensure a healthy meal. Dice the onions and finely chop the garlic. Preparing the ingredients before cooking helps you save time and organize better in the kitchen.

2. Sautéing the onion
In a pot, pour a little oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes transparent and lightly golden. This step will add a special flavor to your sauce.

3. Adding the drumsticks
Once the onion is sautéed, add the drumsticks to the pot. Let them fry for 5-7 minutes, turning them to brown evenly on all sides. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper at this step to enhance the flavor.

4. Cooking the sauce
After the drumsticks have browned, add the chopped garlic, sweet paprika, and the stock cube. Pour in the 2 cups of water and let everything simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This cooking time will allow the drumsticks to become tender and juicy.

5. Preparing the rice
While the drumsticks are simmering, wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Place it in a pot along with 2.5 cups of water, salt, and pepper. Boil over medium heat until the water evaporates and the rice becomes fluffy (about 15-20 minutes). You can use a fork to fluff the rice, achieving a lighter texture.

6. Finalizing the sauce
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, prepare a mixture of flour (about 1 tablespoon) mixed with a little water and cream. This mixture will thicken the sauce. Make sure there are no lumps by mixing well. Pour it into the sauce with the drumsticks and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Add the chopped parsley before removing the pot from the heat.

7. Serving
Serve the drumsticks with sauce alongside the fluffy rice. A great idea is to add some pickled cucumbers on the side, as their acidity will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Helpful Tips
- Spicier option: If you like spicy food, you can add some chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
- A healthy choice: Use olive oil for a more refined taste and additional nutritional benefits.
- Flavored rice: Add a few strands of saffron to the water for the rice for an exotic taste.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe for drumsticks with sauce and rice side is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. Garlic is not only a delicious seasoning but also an ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley adds vitamin C and iron, making this dish a healthy and balanced choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Of course! This recipe works great with chicken thighs or turkey.

2. How can I store leftovers?
You can keep the drumsticks and rice in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a little water to prevent drying out.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A cold drink, such as lemonade or fruit tea, will perfectly complement this dish. Additionally, a dry white wine can be a refined choice.

This simple recipe for drumsticks with sauce and rice side is not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty, making it ideal for a quick family dinner or a meal with friends. Don't forget to experiment and add your own personal touches! Enjoy your meal!