30 Chicken Drumsticks with Kale Recipes That Will Surprise You In the Best Way!

December 13, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

If you are trying to find more fun ways to eat kale, pairing these greens with drumsticks is a good way to start! As you will see with these chicken drumsticks with kale recipes, there are plenty of options for combining the two ingredients, each more delicious than the last. So, go ahead and take a look! 

chicken drumsticks with kale

1. Simple Drumsticks with Kale 

If you want to keep the focus on the natural flavors of the meat and veggies, then this is the recipe for you! Here, kale, potatoes, and onions are tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and arranged on a baking sheet. Then top these with lightly seasoned drumsticks before baking to perfection! 

Get the recipe here

Simple Drumsticks with Kale 

2. Za’atar Drumsticks with Kale 

If you need a bit more flavor, though, this is the recipe to turn to! The drumsticks are coated in smoked paprika and za’atar and then baked for a while with lemon halves. Then, add kale drizzled in olive oil to the pan and bake for a little longer. Serve with roasted potatoes! 

Get the recipe here

Za’atar Drumsticks with Kale 

3. Simple Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

In the mood for something delicious and cozy? Well, then you have to try out this recipe! Season the drumsticks with paprika, sear, and then simmer with aromatics, broth, wine, and herbs. Let all of this cook for a while before stirring in the kale towards the end. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Simple Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

4. Baked Drumsticks with Kale and Veggies

This is just the recipe that you need when you are on the lookout for something fuss-free, healthy, and tasty! Massage the kale and veggies with olive oil and then lay in a baking dish. Season the drumsticks with paprika and lay on top. Squeeze lemon juice over everything and then cook until the drumsticks are browned! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Drumsticks with Kale and Veggies

5. Creamy Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

This recipe may just become your new favorite way to eat kale - it is so rich and creamy that you will hardly believe you are eating something healthy! Start by seasoning the chicken in sweet and smoked paprika and brown. Then, cook in aromatics, herbs, broth, and wine. Stir in kale, maple syrup, and cream and cook for a bit longer until the leaves are tender! 

Get the recipe here

Creamy Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

6. Roast Drumsticks with Braised Kale and White Beans 

Rich and hearty, this dish strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and tasty! Brush the drumsticks with butter and roast on top of lemon slices. In the meantime, saute the kale with garlic before pouring in broth and white beans. Simmer this until the kale is perfectly tender and then serve with the drumsticks! 

Get the recipe here

Roast Drumsticks with Braised Kale and White Beans 

7. Crispy Drumsticks with Kale Salad

The warm and crunchy drumsticks are perfectly paired with the crisp and bright salad! Season the drumsticks before dipping in egg and then coating in a mix of sesame seeds, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Fry until golden brown. Then, toss kale, cabbage, and red onion in a dressing of dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest, and olive oil! 

Get the recipe here

Crispy Drumsticks with Kale Salad

8. Lemon Drumsticks with Kale and Potatoes

This zesty recipe is going to pick everyone right up! Toss the drumsticks and the potatoes in lemon zest, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Roast along with lemon halves for a while. Remove the drumsticks and lemon and then stir in kale that has been massaged with garlic and oil. Bake for a bit longer. Then, arrange drumsticks on top of the veggies and squeeze over roasted lemons! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Drumsticks with Kale and Potatoes

9. Drumsticks with Kale, Pesto, and Butter Beans 

This is a flavorful dish that can be whipped up with very little on your part! Season and sear the drumsticks before adding to a mix of butter beans, pesto, and wine. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and then set the drumsticks aside. Stir in kale and lemon juice and cook until done and serve with the drumsticks! 

Get the recipe here

Drumsticks with Kale, Pesto, and Butter Beans 

10. Harissa Drumsticks with Kale 

Add a bit of a kick to your dish with this yummy recipe! Marinate the chicken in harissa paste, sear, and set aside. In the same pan, saute aromatics and eggplant before adding in balsamic vinegar, kale, and butter. Cook for a bit before topping with the drumsticks and baking until golden brown. Sprinkle with macadamia nuts and serve!

Get the recipe here

Harissa Drumsticks with Kale 

11. Coconut Braised Drumsticks with Kale, Tomatoes, and Potatoes 

This creamy, coconut, and fragrant dish is just what you need when you want something with a ton of flavor! Sauté the aromatics and spices in butter before adding in cilantro, kale, potatoes, and tomatoes. Simmer for a while before pouring in coconut milk and lime juice. Nestle in seared thighs and bake everything until tender! 

Get the recipe here

Coconut Braised Drumsticks with Kale, Tomatoes, and Potatoes 

12. Roasted Chicken, Kale, and Tomato Panzanella

If you are looking for a light and delicious meal for the summer, look no further than this recipe right here! Toss bread cubes, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and garlic together and lay out on a baking sheet. Top with seasoned drumsticks and then roast everything for a while. Coat the kale in oil and seasonings and stir into the tray before baking some more. Sprinkle on more parmesan and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Roasted Chicken, Kale, and Tomato Panzanella

13. Baked Drumsticks with Kale, Chorizo, Beans and Pesto 

This one pot dish packs a serious amount of flavor - it is a must try dish! Saute the potatoes, lardons, and chorizo before stirring in white beans and seared drumsticks. Pour pesto, wine, cider, and water in and bake everything for a while. Then stir in kale, cook for a bit longer and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Baked Drumsticks with Kale, Chorizo, Beans and Pesto 

14. Chili Lime Drumsticks with Crispy Kale 

Spicy and tangy, this meal is going to make your taste buds do a happy dance! Coat drumsticks and potatoes in a mix of oil, lime juice, sea salt, chili powder, and pepper. Arrange on a baking tray and roast for a while before stirring in the kale and cooking for a bit longer. Top with parmesan, broil, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Chili Lime Drumsticks with Crispy Kale 

15. Lemon Garlic Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

This recipe is sure to hit the spot when you want something comforting but also with a bit of a tang to it! Saute the aromatics and add in seared drumsticks along with broth, lemon juice and zest, and wine. Bake for a while, stir in the kale, and bake some more before serving! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Garlic Braised Drumsticks and Kale 

16. Sticky Lemon Harissa Drumsticks with Kale and Chickpeas

Zesty and spicy, this is a recipe that is just bursting with flavor! The chicken, sweet potatoes, and peppers are coated in a mix of harissa, lemon juice, and seasoning before being roasted for some time. Stir in kale and chickpeas and brush the drumsticks with honey. Pop back into the oven for a bit and then serve! 

Get the recipe here

Sticky Lemon Harissa Drumsticks with Kale and Chickpeas

17. Drumsticks with Schmaltzy Rice and Kale

This is a simple and filling meal with a ton of flavor! Season the chicken drumsticks and cook until golden brown. In the meantime, saute garlic and add in the kale before simmering in broth and tossing with cooked rice. Heat oil and cook scallions and ginger in it and serve with the drumsticks and kale rice! 

Get the recipe here

Drumsticks with Schmaltzy Rice and Kale

18. Lemon Chicken and Rice with Kale

This recipe boasts a hint of spice that really livens up the dish! Saute shallots, lemon zest, saffron, and cumin together and stir in kale, broth, and rice. Lay seared drumsticks on top and then simmer until the rice is cooked through. Squeeze some lemon juice over the dish and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Chicken and Rice with Kale

19. Roasted Drumsticks with Parmesan and Kale Chips

If you are trying to encourage people to eat more kale, then this crispy and delicious recipe may be the perfect way to do it! Toss the kale in oil, salt, and pepper and then roast until crunchy. Then, brush drumsticks with oil and coat with a mixture of parmesan, breadcrumbs, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bake to a golden brown and serve with the kale chips! 

Get the recipe here

Roasted Drumsticks with Parmesan and Kale Chips

20. Drumstick, Kale, and Lentil Stew 

Healthy, flavorful, and super simple - this recipe ticks all the boxes! Saute the onions before adding in seared drumsticks, kale, chicken broth, red lentils, olives, mustard, and cream. Cover and cook until everything is tender and flavorful. Season and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Drumstick, Kale, and Lentil Stew 

21. Sticky Drumsticks with Kale Salad

This is a sweet and savory dish with plenty of crunch and flavor to it! Toss the drumsticks in honey, tamari, and sesame oil and bake until golden brown. Then, massage the kale with oil and toss with honey, sesame oil, and lime juice along with radishes and crispy rice! 

Get the recipe here

Sticky Drumsticks with Kale Salad

22. Drumsticks with Apple, Kale, and Farro

You have to try this recipe - the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients take the dish to a whole new level! Combine drumsticks, apple, onion, paprika, and seasonings and bake on a sheet. Then stir in the kale and farro and bake some more. Set aside the drumsticks and toss the farro and veggies with avocado, parsley, and lemon juice! 

Get the recipe here

Drumsticks with Apple, Kale, and Farro

23. Drumstick, Kale, and Orzo Soup

This is a Portuguese inspired recipe that is so warming and tasty! Simmer the drumsticks in broth, aromatics, herbs, and spices until tender. Then strain the broth and add in cooked orzo and kale. Cook for a bit longer before adding the shredded chicken in along with chorizo. Serve while hot! 

Get the recipe here

Drumstick, Kale, and Orzo Soup

24. Lemon Herb Drumsticks with Smoky Bacon Kale 

Pairing kale with bacon is certainly one way to get people to eat kale - and there are also those delicious drumsticks to go along with it! Toss the drumsticks in lemon juice, garlic granules, and herbs and roast until golden brown. In the meantime, cook the bacon and garlic before adding in stock, lemon juice, kale, broccoli, sugar snaps, and spinach. Cook all of this down and serve with the drumsticks! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Herb Drumsticks with Smoky Bacon Kale 

25. Roasted Drumsticks and Crispy Kale

If you are all about the crunch, then this is the dish for you! Toss potatoes and artichokes with garlic, onion, oil, and herbs and top with drumsticks before cooking for a while. Then spray with wine and broil until crispy. In the meantime, toss the kale with oil and nutmeg and broil until perfectly crunchy! 

Get the recipe here

Roasted Drumsticks and Crispy Kale

26. Creole Drumsticks with Sauteed Kale 

Spice up your meal - and your day - with this delicious dish! First, make up a batch of homemade Creole seasoning and toss the drumsticks in this. Sear the meat and then bake until done. As this is happening, the kale is sauteed in garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes until wilted and flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

Creole Drumsticks with Sauteed Kale 

27. African Peanut Butter Stew

Creamy and just bursting with flavor, this stew is a dish that you are going to want to whip up time and time again! Cook aromatics and sweet potatoes before then stirring in seared drumsticks, broth, tomatoes, peanut butter, and spices. Simmer for a while before adding in the kale and cooking for a bit longer. 

Get the recipe here

African Peanut Butter Stew

28. Braised Maple Kale Drumsticks 

This dish boasts a lot of complex flavors but don't worry because it is really simple to prepare! Saute aromatics and pour in wine, broth, paprika seared drumsticks, and herbs. Simmer everything before then stirring in kale, maple syrup, and cream. Cook a bit longer before serving with your favorite carb! 

Get the recipe here

Braised Maple Kale Drumsticks 

29. Kale ‘n Cilantro Chicken Masala

If you like Indian inspired flavors, then this dish is going to make you very happy! Saute aromatics and spices and in drumsticks and potatoes. Cook a bit more and then pour in tomatoes, more spices, kale, water, and cilantro. Pressure cook all of this until tender and stir in pepper and garam masala before serving! 

Get the recipe here

Kale ‘n Cilantro Chicken Masala

30. Chutney Drumsticks and Butternut Squash Kale Salad

Want to experiment with flavor? Then give this recipe a try! Simmer the drumsticks in orange juice, red pepper, cinnamon, and dried fruit until perfectly tender. For the salad, roast the butternut squash and Jerusalem artichoke until done. In the meantime, massage the kale with olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and dill. Add in the other veggies and serve with the drumsticks! 

Get the recipe here

Chutney Drumsticks and Butternut Squash Kale Salad

Who would have imagined that there were so many ways to cook drumsticks and kale together? Well, now that you know just how many recipes there are, it is time to put these to the test. Go ahead and get started today! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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