🍯🍗 Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

📝 Description

These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are coated in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of spice. Slow cooked until tender and juicy, then optionally broiled for a caramelized finish — this is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner!

🍽 Servings

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours

🛒 Ingredients

• 8–10 chicken drumsticks (about 2–3 lbs)

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp cold water

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
Honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, olive oil, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

2️⃣ Assemble in Slow Cooker

Place drumsticks in crockpot.
Pour sauce evenly over the chicken.

3️⃣ Cook

• LOW: 5–6 hours

• HIGH: 3–4 hours

Chicken should be tender and reach 165°F internally.

4️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Remove chicken and set aside.
Mix cornstarch + cold water.
Stir into sauce in slow cooker.
Cook on High 10–15 minutes until thickened.

5️⃣ Optional Broil for Sticky Finish

Place drumsticks on baking sheet.
Brush with sauce.
Broil 3–5 minutes until caramelized and slightly crispy.

💡 Tips

✔ For crispier skin, broil at the end.
✔ Add 1 tbsp rice vinegar for extra depth.
✔ Use chicken thighs if preferred.
✔ Garnish with sesame seeds & green onions.
✔ Serve over rice to soak up the sauce!

🥗 Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 350–400
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 700mg

(Varies depending on sauce thickness and portion size.)

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.

Q: Can I make it in the oven?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway.

Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce honey to ⅓ cup and add 1 tbsp soy sauce or vinegar.

Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months.