Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew is a comforting dish that brings together flavors and ingredients typical of traditional Spanish cuisine. This hearty stew features juicy chicken pieces simmered with a medley of colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and olives, creating a dish that warms the heart and soul. With its easy preparation and rich, satisfying taste, this stew is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, making it a favorite in many homes.
Why We Love This Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew Recipe
This Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew is beloved for numerous reasons. First and foremost, the simplicity of the recipe means you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors—smoky paprika, savory olives, and fresh herbs—creates a vibrant taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Additionally, using chicken drumsticks or thighs ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy, enhancing the overall experience. This dish also provides the perfect excuse to gather around the table with loved ones, enjoying not just the food, but the company as well.
Ingredients about Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sazon seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup pimento-stuffed olives
- 2 bay leaves
- A small bunch of parsley, plus extra chopped for garnish
How to Make Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew Directions
To start your Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up. While the oil heats, take your bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks and season them generously with sazon seasoning, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden brown color on the outside. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Next, in the same pan, add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Now it’s time to mix in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Stir them well, allowing the flavors to combine. Once incorporated, pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to create a rich base for your stew.
Return the browned chicken back into the pan. Add the halved baby potatoes, pimento-stuffed olives, bay leaves, and a small bunch of parsley to the mixture. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, covering it slightly ajar with a lid. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
After simmering, remove the stew from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and enhances the overall taste. When ready to serve, garnish your delicious Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish is wonderful enjoyed with a crusty piece of bread or served over fluffy rice.
How to Serve Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
Serving Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew is as delightful as making it! When it’s time to gather around the table, ladle generous portions of the stew into bowls. Make sure each bowl includes a good mix of tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and olives for that authentic touch.
One way to enjoy this stew is with a side of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, ensuring that not a drop goes to waste. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or even quinoa, allowing the grains to absorb the stew’s rich flavors.
Feel free to add a salad on the side for some freshness or serve it with seasonal vegetables. Everyone will appreciate the hearty nature of the stew combined with a light side dish. For those who like a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an additional layer of warmth, making it suitable for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Expert Tips: Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
To achieve the best results with your Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, when seasoning the chicken, don’t rush; let it sit for a few minutes after seasoning to absorb the flavors. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for even more depth of flavor.
When it comes to choosing your vegetables, feel free to get creative! While this recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can also incorporate other vegetables like carrots or zucchini, which would add vibrant color and nutrition.
If you’re short on time, consider using boneless chicken pieces, which cook faster. Just remember that bone-in cuts typically yield more flavor and juiciness due to the marrow. For those who prefer a thicker stew, remove the chicken once it’s cooked, then let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken before returning the chicken back in.
Lastly, don’t skip the parsley! This aromatic herb adds not just a garnish but also a fresh, bright flavor that complements the rich stew beautifully.
How to Store Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
Storing your Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew is simple and keeps it delicious for days. Allow the stew to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Please note that the flavors might develop even more during storage, making it taste even better when you reheat it.
Variation of Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
While the traditional recipe is indeed delightful, exploring variations can make your Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew even more exciting. For those looking to spice things up, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a heat boost.
If you’re a fan of different proteins, you might try using rabbit or turkey instead of chicken. Both options add their unique flavors to the stew. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, maintaining the same delicious spices.
Experimenting with the vegetables can also lead you down a delicious path. Adding in sweet corn, green beans, or even spinach can introduce different textures and flavors, creating a unique version of the dish.
Another fun variation is to infuse regional spices. Try adding saffron for a distinct taste that pairs beautifully with the dish, or experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic change.
FAQ
What is Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew?
Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew is a hearty dish featuring chicken pieces simmered with vegetables, spices, and olives. It’s known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
How long does it take to cook Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew?
The total cooking time is roughly 35-40 minutes. You’ll sear the chicken first, then let it simmer with ingredients such as potatoes and olives for about 25-30 minutes until everything is tender.
Can I use boneless chicken for Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used; however, bone-in chicken tends to provide more flavor and juiciness. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the meat.
What can I serve with Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew?
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Consider adding a light salad or seasonal vegetables to balance the meal and enhance freshness.
How do I store leftovers of Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew?
Let the stew cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Spanish Chicken Drumsticks Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks Provides tender and juicy meat.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt For seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons sazon seasoning Adds flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano For herbal flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped For base flavor.
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped For color and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika For smoky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste For richness.
- 1 cup tomato sauce For base of the stew.
- 2 cups chicken broth For cooking liquid.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved Adds substance.
- 1 cup pimento-stuffed olives For briny flavor.
- 2 bay leaves bay leaves For flavoring.
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation and Searing
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with sazon seasoning, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the pan and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Cooking the Stew
- In the same pan, add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and smoked paprika, stirring well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Return the browned chicken to the pan alongside halved baby potatoes, olives, bay leaves, and parsley.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover slightly ajar, and cook for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender.
Serving
- Remove the stew from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve warm.
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