Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are coated in a sauce made with honey, lime, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • honey
    ½ c.
  • low-sodium soy sauce
    ½ c.
  • minced fresh ginger
    1 tbsp.
  • juice of 1 lime

    plus wedges for serving

  • garlic cloves

    minced

    4
  • scallions

    thinly sliced, white and green parts separated

    3
  • red pepper flakes

    optional

  • skin-on chicken drumsticks

    about 2 1/2 pounds total

    8
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp.
  • cornstarch
    2 tbsp.
  • cooking spray
  • white rice

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ginger, lime juice, garlic, scallion whites, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Place the chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker, season with the salt, and pour the sauce on top. Cover and cook until the chicken is fork-tender and a thermometer inserted into the meat registers 165˚F, 4½ to 5 hours on low or 2½ to 3 hours on high.

  2. 2

    Transfer the chicken to a plate. Whisk together the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir until incorporated. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high until the sauce is thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and brush with some of the sauce from the slow cooker. Broil, turning once, until the skin is caramelized and charred in spots, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Transfer the chicken to a platter and sprinkle with the scallion greens. Serve with rice, lime wedges, and the remaining sauce.

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

725 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself? These Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks deliver tender, succulent chicken coated in an irresistible savory-sweet glaze, perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.

The magic in this recipe comes from the harmonious blend of bright lime, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a rich honey-soy sauce base. As the drumsticks slowly cook, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a sticky, deeply infused sauce that clings to every piece of chicken, requiring minimal effort from you.

What you'll experience is a truly delicious dish with fall-off-the-bone chicken that's bursting with a balanced sweet and tangy profile, complemented by the umami depth of soy sauce. The hint of fresh ginger and garlic adds a warm complexity, while optional red pepper flakes introduce a subtle, delightful kick. The glaze will be rich and glossy, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. This recipe is designed to bring warmth and ease to your autumn dinners, Super Bowl parties, or any occasion calling for comforting poultry.

You can easily customize these slow cooker chicken drumsticks to suit your preferences. For a touch of heat, don't skip the red pepper flakes—adjust the amount to your desired spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit them. While the recipe calls for fresh lime, a good quality bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. You can also play with the amount of fresh ginger and garlic to dial up their aromatic presence.

Serve these delectable honey-lime-soy chicken drumsticks over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the incredible sauce. They make a fantastic centerpiece for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for events like the Fourth of July or a casual dinner party.

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