Pan-Seared Chicken Drumsticks: Golden Perfection

Pan-seared chicken drumsticks are a delicious, quick, and easy meal to make. With a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or a more complex blend of spices, you can have tender, juicy, and flavourful chicken in under 30 minutes. The key is to pan-sear the drumsticks over fairly high heat, then cover and finish cooking on low. This method ensures the meat is cooked uniformly and results in a crispy skin and moist, fall-off-the-bone tender meat.

How to season chicken drumsticks

There are many ways to season chicken drumsticks, and you can get creative with your choice of herbs and spices. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken drumsticks before pan-searing them:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings for chicken drumsticks, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, rosemary, onion powder, or grill seasoning. You can also make your own blend by combining spices like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or dried herbs with salt and pepper. For a simple option, just season with salt and pepper or lemon pepper. If you want a more complex flavour, try a ready-made seasoning blend like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or Cajun.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Before seasoning the chicken drumsticks, use a paper towel to pat them dry. Removing any excess moisture will help the seasonings stick to the meat better. You can also use a knife to trim off any excess fat and score the chicken along the thigh bone. Piercing the chicken with a fork will also help the seasonings penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Add the desired amount of seasonings to a small bowl and mix well. Then, add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated. You can also place the seasonings in a large plastic bag, add the drumsticks, and shake until they are fully coated. Make sure to get the seasoning into all the nooks and crannies of the drumsticks.

Step 4: Let the Seasonings Infuse

Although it is not necessary to marinate the chicken for this recipe, it is best to let the seasonings infuse into the meat. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes or up to 4 hours before cooking. This will allow the flavours to develop and result in more tasty and flavourful drumsticks.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has been seasoned and allowed to rest, it is time to cook it. Follow your chosen recipe for pan-searing chicken drumsticks, making sure to cook the chicken thoroughly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

How to heat the pan

Heating the pan is the first step to achieving that perfect sear on your chicken drumsticks. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, choose the right pan for the job. A large cast-iron skillet or a large nonstick frying pan is ideal. A cast-iron pan will give you a great sear and even heat distribution. If you are using a nonstick pan, you have the option to cook without oil or butter, although adding a little fat will enhance the flavour of your chicken.

Now it's time to heat things up. Place your chosen pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to high. For a cast-iron pan, heat it for about 90 seconds. If you are using a nonstick pan, add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter before turning up the heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking—this is important to get that perfect sear. If the oil starts to smoke, turn down the heat and let it cool slightly before adding your chicken.

Once your pan is hot, it's time to add the chicken. Place the drumsticks in the pan, ensuring they are not crowded and have enough space to sear properly. Cook the drumsticks for about 3–5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Use tongs to flip the drumsticks and get an even colour all over.

After searing both sides, you can finish cooking the drumsticks in the pan by turning down the heat, covering the pan, and cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Alternatively, you can transfer the seared drumsticks to a preheated oven to finish cooking if you prefer.

Heating the pan is a crucial step in achieving a delicious pan-seared chicken drumstick. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a perfect sear and a mouthwatering meal.

How long to cook drumsticks for

The cooking time for chicken drumsticks depends on the size of the drumsticks and how well-done you like them. If you're after fall-off-the-bone tenderness, you'll need to cook your chicken drumsticks for longer than if you're happy with them being just cooked through.

As a rule of thumb, you should allow 25-30 minutes cooking time in total for pan-seared chicken drumsticks. This includes browning the meat and finishing it off with a lower heat.

To brown the drumsticks, heat some olive oil or butter in a cast-iron pan or large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. When the butter starts to smoke and turn dark brown, add the drumsticks and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until the skin is nicely browned. You can also brown the sides of the drumsticks by turning them on their sides and supporting them against the side wall of the pan.

Once you've seared the drumsticks, turn the heat down to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for about 17-20 minutes, flipping and turning the drumsticks every 5-7 minutes, until the meat at the bone reaches 185-190°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. If you prefer your chicken less well-done, you can take the drumsticks off the heat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will give you perfectly cooked and juicy meat, but it won't be fall-off-the-bone tender.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check if the drumsticks are cooked by cutting into one near the bone. The flesh should be white and juicy with no traces of pink remaining.

How to know when the chicken is cooked

Knowing when your chicken is cooked is a crucial step in preparing a safe and tasty meal. Here are some detailed instructions on how to tell if your chicken is cooked through:

Using a Meat Thermometer:

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. For dark meat, such as chicken drumsticks, the internal temperature should reach 175°F (79°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone, and ensure the temperature reads at least 175°F. For the most accurate results, check the temperature in multiple spots.

Checking the Juices:

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are a few visual cues you can use. Firstly, pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a knife or fork and observe the colour of the juices that run out. If they are clear, the chicken is likely cooked. If the juices are pink, it needs more time.

Checking the Colour and Size:

Another way to tell is by looking at the colour and size of the chicken. The proteins in chicken shrink as they cook, so if the chicken looks seared and golden on the outside but hasn't reduced in size, it may need more time. If the chicken has shrunk, check the colour of the juices as described above.

Checking by Cutting:

If you are still unsure, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If the meat is white or opaque all the way through, it is cooked. If you see any pink meat, it needs further cooking.

Avoiding Overcooking:

To avoid dry and overcooked chicken, it is important to remove it from the heat source once it reaches the desired temperature. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving, allowing the juices to settle and resulting in juicy, tender meat.

By following these steps, you can ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked perfectly and safely.

What to serve with pan-seared chicken drumsticks

Pan-seared chicken drumsticks can be served with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Sautéed vegetables, boiled carrots, or boiled or air-fried potatoes are excellent choices to accompany the chicken. You could also serve them with a fresh salad, such as a beetroot and feta salad, or a creamy vegetable spaghetti.

Carbohydrates

Rice, couscous, or pasta are all great options to fill you up. For a more exotic twist, you could try couscous or jollof rice. If you're feeling creative, you could even make garlic parmesan mashed potatoes or German potato salad.

Dipping Sauces

If you want to add extra flavour, you could serve the chicken with a variety of dipping sauces, such as peri peri sauce, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic parmesan.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something more substantial, you could serve the chicken with fried spaghetti, pasta, or even spicy rice.

Dessert

For a sweet finish to your meal, you could try Fried Oreos with Crescent Rolls, Air Fryer Chocolate Muffins, or Yellow Cake.

Remember, the beauty of pan-seared chicken drumsticks is their versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions