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Curried Chicken Drumsticks

5.0

(6)

Image may contain Plant Food Meal Fruit Citrus Fruit Dish and Lime
Photo by Alex Lau

Braising bone-in chicken in your dish helps build flavor and sauce depth.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons ghee or virgin coconut oil
8 chicken drumsticks
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 large onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 lemongrass stalk, crushed (optional)
3 tablespoons vadouvan or any yellow curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems, divided
1 (14-ounce) package rice noodles
Crispy shallots or onions (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook, turning occasionally, until skin is golden brown and crisp, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate (it will not be cooked through).

    Step 2

    Add onions to same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, 6–8 minutes. Add garlic, lemongrass (if using), vadouvan, and cayenne and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add broth, coconut milk, lime juice, and 1/2 cup cilantro, then return chicken to skillet and gently push down into liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until chicken is tender and cooked through and sauce is thickened, 40–45 minutes. Be sure to turn chicken a couple of times while it’s cooking so all sides get exposed to the curry sauce.

    Step 3

    Just before chicken is done, cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse noodles under warm water, then toss in a large bowl with a little bit of the curry sauce. This will help to prevent them from sticking.

    Step 4

    Divide noodles among shallow bowls. Place drumsticks on top and ladle curry sauce over. Top with crispy shallots and remaining 1/2 cup cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

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