Candy is dandy, but this chicken dinner is a winner. Some of our most beloved childhood candies in Mexico are made of tamarind and chili. They are the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. That’s exactly what I was going for in this dish. Chicken Drumsticks in Tamarind Chili Sauce is my grownup version of some of our favorite Mexican flavor combinations.
I’m using drumsticks because of the price. You can make this dish with whatever cut of chicken you like, but have you priced chicken breasts lately? Exactly! I’m sticking with drumsticks. They don’t need much seasoning. Just salt. The flavor will come from the sauce.
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Onto the tamarindo… If you’ve never worked with Tamarind before, you can also BUY
Next, with your hands, remove the seeds and membranes of the tamarind. Set this aside until you’re ready to use.
Now for the chilis… I’m using Guajillo
Place them in a stockpot
Place the chilis, tamarind, brown sugar, onion, and garlic in a blender
In a large skillet
This Chicken Drumsticks in Tamarind Chili Sauce is delicious and full of amazing flavors. Spicy and sweet and ready to eat. Serve with rice and garnish with a green onions. Hope you enjoy!
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 5-6 Tamarind pods
- 3 Guajillo
- 2 Chile de arbol
- Water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ onion
- 1 garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- Salt
- Green onion (optional)
- For the Tamarind paste:
- Crack open the tamarind pod, removing the shells.
- Add them to a large stockpot.
- Add enough water to cover the pods.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat.
- Let stand for an hour, or until the tamarind flesh is soft.
- With your hands, remove the membranes and seeds from the tamarind.
- Set aside until ready to use.
- For the Chilis:
- Toast the Guajillo and chile de arbol chilis on a griddle, turning frequently.
- Do not let these burn. Only 1-2 minutes on each side.
- With kitchen scissors, cut the top of the chili, then lengthwise, and remove the seeds and the membranes.
- Repeat this step for every chili.
- Add all the a large stockpot along with enough water to cover the chilis.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Turn stove off and let sit for 15 minutes, or until soft and pliable.
- For the Tamarind Chili Sauce:
- Add the tamarind paste, softened chilis, 1 cup chicken broth, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and salt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste for salt.
- For the chicken:
- Salt drumsticks.
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Brown chicken drumsticks on all sides.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Slowly add the Tamarind Chili Sauce and remaining chicken broth.
- With a spatula, gently stir the sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve with rice.
Danielle L says
Yum! I love using tamarind 🙂
Maggie Unzueta says
Me too. Tamarind is so yummy.
Belle says
That looks amazing! Adding this to our menu next week!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Maggie Unzueta says
I’m sure your family will love this dish! Enjoy.
Denay DeGuzman says
Maggie, all of your recipes look so darn scrumptious, including this chicken in tamarind chili sauce. I love all the detailed instructions. I’m pinning the top image to Pinterest to share the love!
Maggie Unzueta says
You’re so sweet. Thank you!
Kate says
I really wish I could eat spicy food because this looks delicious!
Maggie Unzueta says
You can always tame this recipe down by using less chilis.
Cait Weingartner says
This recipe looks incredibly tasty! I’m a big fan of drumsticks, and always swap them for any type of chicken wing recipe, since to me, wings just don’t have enough meat on them to be worth the mess and effort of eating them. I’m looking forward to making these drumsticks very soon!
Maggie Unzueta says
Hope you do. Enjoy!
Lynn Woods says
This looks so good. I love cooking with chilies!
Maggie Unzueta says
Me too. I always have dried chiles in the cupboard.
Ashley says
I’ve never had tamarind. Definitely need to try this!
Maggie Unzueta says
You must. Tamarind is delicious!