Slow Cooker Drumsticks

by

Juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort

When you need a hands-off dinner that the whole family will devour, these Slow Cooker Drumsticks are a winner! 🍗✨ With just a few pantry ingredients, chicken drumsticks transform into tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection. The slow cooker locks in flavor while keeping the meat juicy, and the sauce caramelizes beautifully when finished under the broiler. Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day spreads, or casual entertaining, this recipe is simple, hearty, and always satisfying. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice for a complete meal. Comfort food has never been easier—or more delicious!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW (or 2 hours on HIGH)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients List

  • 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 10–12 pieces)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • Sesame seeds & chopped green onions, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Slow cooker / Crockpot
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Baking sheet (optional for broiling)
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, paprika, and pepper. 🍯
  2. Load the Crockpot: Place drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the top and toss to coat.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked. 🍗
  4. Optional thickened glaze: Remove drumsticks, pour sauce into a small saucepan, and whisk in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened.
  5. Finish under broiler: For sticky, caramelized skin, transfer drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes. Brush with thickened sauce. ✨
  6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!

Pro Tips

  • Crispier Finish: Always broil at the end for restaurant-style texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked drumsticks with sauce in a zip-top bag. Thaw and dump into slow cooker when ready to cook.
  • Flavor Twist: Add sriracha or chili flakes for heat, or swap honey for maple syrup.
  • Serving Idea: Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. 🥗

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
2 drumsticks31024g18g15g0g15g