When life gets a bit too hectic, I find solace in the kitchen—especially with recipes that promise simplicity and flavor. These braised chicken drumsticks in a tangy tomatillo sauce are like a warm hug on a busy day. The sauce, a vibrant green, dances with the zest of tomatillos, while the drumsticks become so tender they practically fall off the bone. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting yet invigorating, like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day.
Steps
- Season the chicken drumsticks with cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. If possible, let them marinate for a few hours.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting, and when it’s hot, add olive oil and the chicken. Brown the drumsticks on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
- Pour in the tomatillo sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and the halved jalapeno. Cover and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes until the chicken becomes tender.
- Once the pressure releases, sprinkle the remaining cilantro over the chicken. Serve the dish over rice if you like.
- For the slow cooker method, place all ingredients in the cooker and set on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- For stove-top cooking, follow the same steps, add a little water, and cook covered on low heat until the chicken is very tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks, bone-in, skin removed (24 oz)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups tomatillo sauce, jarred (such as Frontera)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
- 1 jalapeno, halved and seeds removed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 966 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 132 g | Fat: 30 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 606 mg | Sodium: 4416 mg | Sugar: 12 g
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish without an Instant Pot. You can use a slow cooker or cook it on the stove. For the slow cooker, place all ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. For the stove, simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes tender.
- What can I serve with Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks?
- This dish pairs well with rice and a fresh salad. A spiralized carrot salad is an excellent side choice to complement the flavors.
- Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?
- Absolutely, marinating the chicken with vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano for a few hours can enhance the flavors if time allows.
- What type of slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
- The 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is recommended. It allows you to set the cooking time and automatically switches to warm when done. It also has a meat probe feature that turns off the cooker when the meat is perfectly cooked.
- How many servings does this recipe provide, and what is the nutritional information?
- The recipe yields six servings, with each drumstick containing approximately 161 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 22 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat.
Tips
- If time permits, marinate the chicken drumsticks in vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano for a few hours to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- For added flavor and a nice texture, use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the chicken on both sides before pressure cooking.
- If using the stove top method, remember to add a little water and cook the chicken covered on low heat to ensure it becomes tender.
- When using a slow cooker, utilize the programmable features to automatically switch to warm once cooking is complete, preventing overcooking.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
- Slow Cooker (e.g., 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker)
