If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and bursts of flavor right to your dinner table, you have to try this Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe. Tender chicken drumsticks are coated in a luscious, smoky paprika sauce enriched with garlic, thyme, and cream, creating a perfect harmony between spice and smoothness. Paired with fluffy steamed rice that soaks up every bit of the sauce, this satisfying meal is straightforward to prepare yet impressively delicious—ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of this dish. From the smoky paprika that adds warmth to the creamy sauce that provides richness, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.

6 chicken drumsticks: The star of the dish, perfect for roasting with crispy skin and juicy meat inside.
1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors throughout.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant red color that defines this recipe.
1 tbsp butter: Brings richness to the sauce and helps soften the aromatics.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle bite to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with famous fragrant garlicky goodness.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes that complement the paprika perfectly.
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat to balance the creaminess, adjustable to your taste.
1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that silky, clingy texture that coats the chicken.
1 cup chicken broth: Builds the base of the sauce with savory depth and moisture.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy finish and mellow flavor.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a touch of sweetness and rich umami that rounds out the sauce.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brightens the sauce with subtle tanginess and complexity.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish): Fresh herbs to brighten and visually elevate the dish.
2 cups cooked white rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.

How to Make Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting that crispy skin. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the smoky paprika to infuse flavor right from the start. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the drumsticks on all sides until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. This step locks in juices and creates irresistible texture.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Once seared, transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven. Roast the drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The oven roasts the chicken evenly, bringing out the smoky paprika’s flavor and ensuring that juicy tenderness inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Paprika Sauce

While the chicken is roasting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant—this creates the flavor foundation for your sauce. Stir in dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and flour; cook for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour flavor. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly. This thickened base is crucial for the sauce’s silky texture.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Cream and Flavors

Add heavy cream, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard to the simmering mixture, stirring well to combine. Let it cook gently for 5-6 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to become luxuriously creamy. Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. This sauce is the heart of the Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe that seals every bite with flavor joy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is out of the oven, place the skillet back on the stove over low heat. Pour the luscious sauce over the drumsticks and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. This step melds the chicken and sauce, ensuring each drumstick is dripping with creamy, paprika-infused goodness right before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley over the plated chicken adds a vibrant green contrast and a fresh herbal aroma that invites you to dive right in. If you want a bit more zing, a few thin lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish beautifully when squeezed.

Side Dishes

Steamed white rice is the obvious and perfect partner here, absorbing that rich, creamy sauce with every bite. For extra veggies, consider a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance richness with freshness and crunch. Roasted root vegetables can add a sweet earthiness that complements the smoky paprika delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken drumsticks arranged artfully over a nest of fluffy rice on a large platter, drizzling extra sauce over the top for a picture-perfect finish. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely diced red bell peppers or toasted pine nuts on the rice for color and texture that make this meal feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken with sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers, covering the chicken and sauce with the rice. Frozen leftovers will maintain the best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out, stirring occasionally. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring the rice and sauce for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks are perfect for their juicy texture and flavor, you can also use bone-in thighs or even boneless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

Is smoked paprika necessary? What about regular paprika?

Smoked paprika gives that distinct smoky, slightly sweet flavor that really defines this recipe. You can substitute regular paprika, but the depth of the smoky notes will be milder. Adding a tiny bit of smoked salt or a few drops of liquid smoke can help mimic the flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a lactose-free cream alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing. The sauce will still be creamy but with a slightly different flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?

This Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe has a gentle warmth from the smoked paprika and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily leave out the chili flakes or increase them depending on your heat preference.

What rice is best for this recipe?

Classic steamed white rice works wonderfully here because it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Long grain rice like basmati or jasmine adds a lovely aroma and texture, but you can use any rice you prefer, including brown rice for a heartier option.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Paprika Chicken Drumsticks with Steamed Rice Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Its rich, smoky flavors combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice make every bite pure comfort and joy. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again!