The drumstick isn’t just for kids, nor is it only for fried chicken. Like chicken thighs or breasts, the drumstick is versatile and can be cooked in different ways.

Today, I’ll show you how I prepare it for a delicious soup.

Here’s the trick: Start by sautéing the drumsticks with onions and a little oil. The fat from the skin will release, providing the grease needed to keep everything sautéing. Then, simmer the drumsticks in our Asper Family Farm chicken broth, before removing the drumsticks to shred the meat.

Your second trick: Add cream cheese. Stir it in at the end before serving.

We absolutely love chicken chili in our household. It’s such a refreshing soup recipe to have on hand. If you’re looking for Asper Family Farm chicken or broth, check out our farm stand “In-Stock” page.

Savory Drumstick Chicken Chili Recipe

(Scroll to bottom for easier version to highlight and print.)

Serves 4-6

First, Sautee….

over medium heat til drumsticks are browned and veggies softened:

• 1 TBS Oil or slice of uncured fatback
• Asper Family Farm 2 pasture-raised drumsticks (close to 1lb)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 rib celery diced

Then, Sprinkle…

these seasonings over top (use what you’ve got!)

• 1 tsp Paprika,
• 2 tsp Cumin,
• 1 Tsp Chili powder, cayenne pepper, or dried cayenne peppers

Pour over and boil:

• Asper Family Farm Chicken Broth 3 cups

Add and Simmer with lid on but vented for 30 min.:

• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes (with liquid) or 1 1/2 cup whole frozen/fresh garden tomatoes
• Red Kidney Beans (substitute your favorite bean) (drained)
• Pinto Beans (substitute your favorite bean) (drained)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables

Now, time to break up the big pieces..

remove tomato peels (if garden fresh), break up any large bits of tomato and remove drumsticks

• Remove drumstick meat with a fork and dice.
• Throw out the pointy long skinny bone alongside drumstick
• Save bones/cartilage from top of bone in freezer bag to make a future broth.
• Eat flavorful skin for a snack!

Last, stir these in:

• Diced chicken without bones
• 1/8 to 1/2 block cream cheese –your preference
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serve:

Set out a choice of any of these:

Saltines, Tortilla chips, Biscuits, Cornbread, shredded cheese, sour cream, OR diced avocados

Savory Drumstick Chicken Chili Recipe

by Julia Asper

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 TBS Oil or slice of uncured fatback
• Asper Family Farm 2 pasture-raised drumsticks (1lb pack of 2)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 rib celery diced
• 1 tsp Paprika,
• 2 tsp Cumin,
• 1 Tsp Chili powder, cayenne pepper, or dried cayenne peppers
• Asper Family Farm Chicken Broth – 3 cups
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes (with liquid) or 1 1/2 cup whole frozen/fresh garden tomatoes
• Red Kidney Beans (substitute your favorite bean) 15oz. (drained)
• Pinto Beans (substitute your favorite bean) 15oz. (drained)
• 1 cup mixed vegetable (your preference)
• 1/8 to 1/2 block cream cheese –your preference
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Sautee onion, celery, with drumsticks over medium heat til drumsticks are browned and veggies softened.
2. Add seasonings.
3. Pour liquids over top and bring to boil
4. Add beans, tomatoes, and mixed veggies simmer with lid on but vented for 30 min.
5. Remove tomato peels (if frozen from garden), break up any large bits of tomato and remove drumsticks
6. Carefully remove cartilage and long bone alongside drumstick
7. Dice chicken.
8. Stir chicken and cream cheese back in chili.
9. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Visit our “In Stock” page to see what’s currently available from our farm.