Golden honey-glazed chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker

Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Delicious Honey-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks (skin on for best flavor and moisture; avoid any with discoloration or unpleasant smell); 1/4 cup Honey (preferably raw or pure for the best glaze); 1/4 cup Soy sauce (choose low-sodium for a healthier option); 3 cloves Garlic cloves (freshly minced); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard (adds tang and depth); 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (for a subtle tang and balance); 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor); 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground for best taste)

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easy

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs20gram

Fat15gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken drumsticks (skin on for best flavor and moisture; avoid any with discoloration or unpleasant smell)8 pieces
Honey (preferably raw or pure for the best glaze)1/4 cup
Soy sauce (choose low-sodium for a healthier option)1/4 cup
Garlic cloves (freshly minced)3 cloves
Dijon mustard or yellow mustard (adds tang and depth)1 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar (for a subtle tang and balance)1 tbsp
Olive oil (extra virgin recommended for flavor)1 tbsp
Salt1/2 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground for best taste)1/4 tsp

This recipe for honey-glazed slow cooked chicken drumsticks yields tender, juicy chicken that falls off the bone, coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, perfect for easy weeknight dinners. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in supermarkets. The dish is incredibly flavorful yet straightforward, making it ideal for anyone from kitchen novices to more seasoned cooks. Total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £8 / ₹800, serving 4 people. Nutrition per serving is about 350 kcal. This recipe suits a standard diet and is of easy difficulty. Total cooking and preparation time is around 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the chicken drumsticks

1Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better. Then season them lightly with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Mix the honey glaze sauce

2In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until fully combined.

Place chicken in the slow cooker

3Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour the honey glaze sauce evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.

Slow cook the chicken

4Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) when checked with a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.

Optional broiling for glaze finish

5For a sticky, caramelized finish, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the drumsticks to a baking tray lined with foil, spoon some glaze over, and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips

1Ensure your food thermometer is properly calibrated and inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone to get accurate readings.

2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

3If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.

4For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

5Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Food thermometer
Baking tray and foil (optional, for broiling)

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces) - approx. $5.00. Choose fresh, plump pieces with pink skin.
[ ] Honey (1/4 cup) - approx. $1.50. Opt for pure, raw honey for the best flavor.
[ ] Soy sauce (1/4 cup) - approx. $0.75. Low-sodium varieties are better for health.
[ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - approx. $0.30. Fresh bulbs with firm cloves are best.
[ ] Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.40. Check label for quality ingredients.
[ ] Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.20. Use with 'with the mother' for quality.
[ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.50. Extra virgin recommended.
[ ] Salt and black pepper - may already be in pantry; if not approx. $1.00 total.

Estimated total cost: $9.65.

FAQ

How can I tell when the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat?

Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 75°C (165°F). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the drumsticks at 180°C (350°F) covered for about 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken after slow cooking?

Broiling is optional but helps create a nice sticky, caramelized finish to the glaze. Without broiling, the chicken will still be tender and flavorful.