Boiled Chicken Drumsticks, or legs as they’re sometimes called, are an easy, economical weeknight dinner. This recipe does them justice by boiling them in spices and then finishing them off under the broiler.

This recipe costs around $5.55 to make. It makes four servings for about $1.39 per serving.

If you are looking for more ways to cook chicken drumsticks, you may enjoy these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, Smoked Chicken Drumsticks, and Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.

The finished Boiled Chicken Legs on a white serving platter.

Boiled Chicken Legs

Boiled Chicken Drumsticks are a simple way to get dinner on the table on busy weeknights quickly. They also work great as a game-day snack or party appetizer because everyone loves them.

This recipe is simple enough for a beginner cook (think college students) but also a staple recipe for even the most seasoned chefs to have in their cookbooks. 

These Chicken Drumsticks are versatile to be served with any number of side dishes. My favorites include Avocado Potato Salad, Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese, and Buttery Smoked Corn on the Cob

Boiling Chicken Drumsticks results in tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken legs. You can serve them right after cooking or place them under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. Either way, the drumsticks are delicious!

The finished Boiled Chicken Drumsticks on a white plate with a baked potato.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $1.39

Recipe Cost: $5.55

  • 8 chicken drumsticks – $4.06
  • 1 medium onion – $0.62
  • 3 cloves of garlic – $0.12
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube – $0.08
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley – $0.14
  • 1 teaspoon salt – $0.01
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper – $0.42
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika – $0.10

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Boil Chicken Legs

  1. First, place the drumsticks in a medium-sized pot. 
  2. Then, add in the onion, garlic, bouillon cube, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. 
  3. Add in enough water to cover the chicken with at least 1-inch of water over the drumsticks. 
  4. Next, cover the pot and bring to a boil to cook for about twenty-five minutes. 
  5. Remove the drumsticks from the pot and place them on a baking sheet. 
  6.  Set them under the broiler for three to four minutes, flipping them halfway.

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Storage Tips

SERVE: You can keep the drumsticks at room temperature for about 2 hours before they will need to be refrigerated.

STORE: The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FREEZE: You can freeze these drumsticks. Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Recipe FAQs

How long do you boil chicken drumsticks?

Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. You want to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This should take about 25 minutes.

Can you boil chicken too long?

If you boil the chicken too long, it can become dry and rubbery tasting. Keep an eye on the internal temperature. Once it gets to 165 degrees F, the chicken is done, and you can stop boiling it.

Is it better to boil or bake chicken?

In my opinion, one is not better than the other. Both are good for different reasons. Baking chicken can sometimes dry out the chicken if you are not careful, but it also produces a rich flavor baked into the chicken. Boiling can be quicker than baking and creates moist and juicy chicken pieces.

The finished chicken leg boil on a white serving plate.

More Chicken Recipes

The finished Boiling Chicken Drumsticks on a white serving platter.
4.56 from 9 votes

Boiled Chicken Drumsticks

Recipe Cost $ $5.55
Serving Cost $ $1.39
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
5 people
Boiled Chicken Drumsticks, or legs as they're sometimes called, are an easy, economical weeknight dinner. They're so full of flavor.

Equipment

  • Medium-sized pot
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic smashed
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika

Instructions

  • Add chicken drumsticks to a medium sized pot.
  • Add in the rest of the ingredients, onion, garlic, bouillon cube, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Add enough water to cover the chicken at least 1-inch over the chicken drumsticks.
  • Cover the pot and bring to a boil on medium high heat, cook for 25 minutes or until tender, internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.
  • Remove from broth and serve or transfer to a baking sheet.
  • Place under a broiler to crisp the outside of the chicken drumsticks for 3-4 minutes, flip drumsticks and continue cooking, watch closely so they don’t burn.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 2drumsticks | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 786mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 756IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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6 Comments

  1. I can’t wait to try this. I have never boiled chicken to serve it on its own before. I’ve usually done it to combine it with other ingredients like a soup or a chicken pot poie.

  2. Kali Alexandria says:

    Such a great boiled chicken recipe! Thank you!!

  3. I never would have thought to cook chicken this way, but this looks really easy.

  4. Great flavors, easy to make and budget friendly. A perfect main dish for my family.

  5. These drumsticks are so flavourful! I appreciate the way the skin gets crispy by broiling at the end. A nice, easy recipe for dinner.

  6. Wezi Kayy says:

    Great broth at the end excellent chicken