Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Perfect Tender Flavor
This easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken drumsticks recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender chicken with a sticky-sweet, savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it requires minimal prep and simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 2.5 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1/2 cup (170 g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or chicken broth
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3.5 lbs). Trim excess skin if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, water or chicken broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the drumsticks in a single layer inside the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, turning to coat if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- For a thicker glaze, remove chicken and pour sauce into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes. Toss chicken back in or brush with glaze before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Optional to brown drumsticks before slow cooking for added flavor and texture. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. If sauce dries out during cooking, add a splash of water or broth. For a sticky glaze, reduce sauce on stove after cooking. Adjust sweetness or acidity by tasting sauce before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 to 2 drumsticks pe
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey garlic chicken, chicken drumsticks, easy dinner, crockpot recipe, tender chicken, honey garlic sauce