Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

The Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks has a special place in my heart. Growing up, Sundays were always about family meals, and this dish was a staple. I remember my grandmother standing over the stove, the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the house, drawing us all to the kitchen. The tangy notes of tomatillo sauce mixed with the savory flavors of chicken filled the air, and it felt like a warm embrace. Fast forward to today, and I still make this dish when I need a little nostalgia. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The beauty of the Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks lies in its simplicity and the robust flavors that come together effortlessly. Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

Recipe Ingredients for Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

The ingredients for the Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks work together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is both flavorful and comforting. Each ingredient plays a significant role, from the tender chicken to the vibrant tomatillo sauce that adds depth and tang. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

• 6 chicken drumsticks, on the bone, skin removed (24 oz) – These provide the foundation of your meal, offering juicy meat that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar – This adds a bright acidity that balances out the richness of the chicken.
• 1 tsp kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavors.
• 1/8 tsp black pepper – Just a hint of heat to complement the other spices.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds a lovely herbal note to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
• 1 1/2 cups jarred tomatillo sauce – The star ingredient that brings all the flavors together. I recommend using Frontera for an authentic taste.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided – Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
• 1 jalapeno, halved and seeded – Provides a mild heat that can be adjusted based on your preference.

Instructions for Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

Making the Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks is a straightforward process that results in tender, flavorful chicken. Let’s dive into the steps:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken drumsticks with the cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. If you have the time, marinate them for a few hours in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor.
2. In your Instant Pot, set it to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil and carefully place the marinated chicken in the pot to brown. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. This step helps to develop a nice crust and locks in the moisture.
3. Next, add the tomatillo sauce, 2 tablespoons of the chopped cilantro, and the halved jalapeno to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.
4. Cover the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and infused with flavor. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
5. Once the pressure has released, remove the chicken from the pot and garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro. Serve it over rice if desired, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. If you prefer the slow cooker method, place all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor.
7. For the slow cooker, follow the same directions but add a little water if necessary and cook covered on low until the chicken is very tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Recipe Tips about Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks turn out perfectly:

• Storage: The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve the chicken with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your spice preference. You can use a milder pepper if you prefer less heat.
• Garnish: Top with extra cilantro or even diced avocado for added creaminess.

What to Serve Alongside Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

• Rice: A fluffy bowl of rice is the perfect base to soak up the delicious tomatillo sauce.
• Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a fun, hands-on meal that everyone can enjoy.
• Salads: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables make a great accompaniment, adding color and nutrition.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even during fall celebrations.
• Storage Tips: Remain mindful of how long you keep leftovers; they last about three days in the fridge.
• Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy this dish during the cooler months when hearty meals are most comforting.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks are not just a dish; they are a comforting hug in food form. With its layers of flavor and simplicity, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a try? I promise you’ll be delighted with the results!

Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with flavor and are perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken with zesty tomatillo sauce for a mouthwatering experience. Bring this easy dinner to your table tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Slow Cooker
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 6 drumsticks chicken on the bone, skin removed (24 oz)
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1.5 cups jarred tomatillo sauce I used Frontera
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro divided
• 1 unit jalapeno halved and seeded

Instructions

 

• Season chicken with cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Marinate a few hours if time permits.
• Set the Instant Pot to sauté, when hot add the olive oil and the chicken to brown on both sides, about 4 minutes on each side.
• Add the tomatillo salsa, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro and jalapeno, cover and cook on high pressure 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender. When the pressure releases, garnish with cilantro and serve over rice if desired.
• Place ingredients in the slow cooker and cook low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
• Follow same directions, add a little water and cook covered on low until chicken is very tender, 30 to 40 minutes.

Notes

• Tip 1: The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve the chicken with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Tip 5: Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your spice preference. You can use a milder pepper if you prefer less heat.
• Tip 6: Top with extra cilantro or even diced avocado for added creaminess.

Keyword Braised Chicken Recipe, comfort food recipes, easy chicken dinner, Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.