Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks Recipe: Easy & Flavorful

Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks are your answer to weeknight dinner chaos. With just 10 minutes of prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll get incredibly flavorful, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time. This recipe brings all the tender juiciness of braised chicken without you babysitting a stovetop for hours.

I first started making this when my weeknights got too hectic for elaborate meals. The slow cooker turned out to be my biggest ally here—just set it, forget it, and let it do all the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to traditional braising!

Why This Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you tackle everything else on your to-do list.
• Time-saving: Prepping takes just 10 minutes compared to hours of active cooking typically needed for braising chicken.
• Incredibly tender: The low and slow cooking method makes the chicken fall-off-the-bone juicy.
• Minimal cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll hardly have a mess to clean afterward.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, as the flavors only get better the next day.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

To make these chicken drumsticks with tomatillo sauce, all you really need is a trusty slow cooker. Here are a few tips to make sure the recipe turns out perfectly:

• Slow Cooker: I recommend a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking and enough space to fit your drumsticks comfortably.
• Optional sautéing: While not 100% necessary for flavor, you can brown the drumsticks on a stovetop or in an Instant Pot before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Instant Pot: You can use the sauté and pressure cooker setting on your Instant Pot to make a quicker version of this dish (instructions below!).

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

This easy tomatillo chicken recipe is all about pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, keeping it approachable and stress-free. Here’s a look at the key players:

• Chicken Drumsticks: Bone-in and skin removed—this keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
• Tomatillo Sauce: I used a jarred sauce (like Frontera) to save time, but homemade works too if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Jalapeño: Adds a mild kick, but you can skip this or switch it for bell pepper if you prefer a totally mild dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish as a garnish, tying all the flavors together.

Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 drumsticks
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks, on the bone, skin removed (24 oz)
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups jarred tomatillo sauce (I used Frontera)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
• 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded

How to Make Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

1. Marinate the drumsticks: Season the chicken with vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. For max flavor, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours, but if you’re short on time, skip straight to cooking!
2. Brown the chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a sauté pan or Instant Pot using the sauté setting. Brown the drumsticks on both sides for about 4 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
3. Combine ingredients: Place the drumsticks into the slow cooker. Add the tomatillo sauce, half of the cilantro, and the halved jalapeño on top.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining fresh cilantro before serving. Pair with rice, tortillas, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks

• Pick the right drumsticks: Avoid extra-large drumsticks, as they may need longer cooking to tenderize fully.
• Don’t skip browning: Browning the drumsticks adds an extra layer of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this.
• Double the batch: This recipe is freezer-friendly! Make extra and store portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Use fresh tomatillo salsa: If you have fresh tomatillos, roast and blend them with garlic and onion for a homemade salsa.
• Reheat like a pro: Leftovers? Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.

Easy Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks Variations

• Swap the chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks—they’re equally flavorful and cook just as beautifully.
• Turn up the heat: Add more jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick of heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy twist on the tomatillo sauce.
• Vegetable-packed: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie-packed dinner option.

Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks FAQs

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make these on the stovetop by simmering the drumsticks in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat for about 30-40 minutes until tender.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work well, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the drumsticks, then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. The result is just as tender and flavorful.

How can I make this a healthy chicken drumsticks recipe?

Remove the chicken skin, and stick to a low-sodium or homemade tomatillo sauce to keep this meal light and nutritious.

Ready to give this a shot? Slow Cooker Braised Tomatillo Chicken Drumsticks combines flavor, convenience, and ease all in one dish. What’s your favorite kitchen shortcut for busy weeknights? Comment below—I’d love to hear!