Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks: the Family Friendly Recipe for a Dinner Full of Flavor!

These Fried Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks offer a delightful twist on the classic chicken drumstick, transforming it into a main course that can be savored on special occasions or served as a standout meal during family dinners. Combining the comforting textures and flavors of chicken, potatoes, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is both satisfying and surprisingly unique. Perfect for gatherings where you want to impress your guests, these drumsticks are sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.

All you'll need to do is cook chicken and potatoes separately, then chop the chicken and mash the potatoes. Chicken and potatoes will then mixed with  shredded mozzarella, creating a creamy filling that is seasoned to perfection. This flavorful mixture is then molded back onto the chicken bones, giving the appearance of a standard drumstick but with a gourmet twist. The drumsticks are fried to golden perfection, offering a crisp exterior with a warm, cheesy interior. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a visually appealing presentation that will make everyone eager to dig in.

What are Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks

Stuffed chicken drumsticks are a culinary innovation that takes ordinary chicken legs to an extraordinary level of flavor and presentation. The concept involves deboning chicken drumsticks, then refilling the skin with a mixture of various ingredients such as cheeses, vegetables, or seasoned meats. This technique not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the rich, flavorful stuffing inside. The exact origin of stuffed chicken drumsticks is difficult to pinpoint, as various cultures have their own versions of stuffing meats. However, the technique of stuffing poultry is a culinary practice that dates back centuries and has been refined by chefs around the world to include the delicate process of deboning while keeping the skin intact.

Tips and Variations

– Carefully debone the chicken drumsticks to keep the skin intact, which is essential for stuffing. If you’re new to deboning, consider watching tutorial videos or practicing on a few extra drumsticks.

– Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. The quantities of salt and pepper can be increased or decreased based on how flavorful you want your stuffing to be.

– Ensure that each stuffed drumstick is thoroughly coated during the breading process. Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs not only helps create a crunchier exterior but also prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.

– Maintain a consistently hot oil temperature while frying to ensure that each drumstick cooks evenly and the crust becomes golden and crispy without burning.

– Swap out mozzarella with other types of cheese like cheddar for a sharper taste, or use a mix of cheeses for complexity. Adding finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can introduce new flavors and textures.

– Incorporate herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the potato and cheese mixture for added freshness and aroma. Spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper can also enhance the overall flavor profile.

– Along with chicken, include other types of minced meat like pork or beef for a richer taste. You could also mix some cooked bacon or ham into the stuffing for a smoky flavor.

– For a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake the breaded drumsticks in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the coating is crisp and golden.

– Serve these stuffed drumsticks with a variety of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli to complement the flavors.

Why Are My Chicken Drumsticks Not Crispy?

Chicken drumsticks might not turn out crispy if the skin isn't sufficiently dried before cooking, the cooking temperature is too low, or they are overcrowded in the pan, which causes them to steam rather than fry. For crispier results, ensure the skin is dry, use higher heat, and don't overcrowd the cooking space.

Can I Make This in an Air Fryer?

Yes, this stuffed chicken drumstick recipe can be adapted for cooking in an air fryer. For best results, set the air fryer to about 180°C (350°F) and cook the drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Make sure to not overcrowd the basket for optimal air circulation.

More Chicken Recipes You Might Love

Chicken Cutlets

Battered Fried Chicken

Crispy Chicken Legs

Popcorn Chicken

How to Store Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks

Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks are best enjoyed right after they're fried and served, as to not miss on the creamy stuffing and the stringy mozzarella cheese. If there's any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge, inside of an airtight container, for up to a day. Freezing is not recommended.

Find out how to prepare Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks following the step-by-step recipe and advice.

How to Prepare Stuffed Chicken Drumsticks

Boil the potatoes in a pot with water and a pinch of salt for about 35 minutes, covering them with the lid.

Do the same with the chicken drumsticks, boiling them with the black pepper grains and the bay leaves. Let them boil for 35 minutes, and cover them with a lid.

Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them inside of a bowl.

Carefully debone the chicken drumsticks.

Once you've deboned all chicken drumsticks, chop the meat into smaller pieces.

Inside of a bowl, add the mashed potatoes, the chopped chicken, the grated mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper and mix them together until they have become a homogeneous mixture.

Attach the meat to the bones, and shape it until it resembles a chicken drumstick.

Dip the drumstick into the flour, then the egg and the breadcrumbs. Do a double breading with eggs and breadcrumbs.

Fry each chicken drumstick in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each.

Serve and enjoy while still warm, crispy and stringy!