Close-up of slow cooked marinated chicken drumsticks garnished with herbs

Tender Marinated Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Name: Tender Marinated Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 piece Chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) - choose fresh drumsticks with firm flesh and no unpleasant odor; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 tbsp Soy sauce; 2 tbsp Honey; 4 piece Garlic cloves - fresh, peeled, and minced; 2 tbsp Lemon juice - freshly squeezed; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground

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easy

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat18gram

Protein32gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in) - choose fresh drumsticks with firm flesh and no unpleasant odor8 piece
Olive oil2 tbsp
Soy sauce3 tbsp
Honey2 tbsp
Garlic cloves - fresh, peeled, and minced4 piece
Lemon juice - freshly squeezed2 tbsp
Paprika1 tsp
Dried oregano1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper - freshly ground0.5 tsp

This recipe guides you through slow cooking marinated chicken drumsticks to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that's perfect for any meal. Using common ingredients you can find at the supermarket, and standard kitchen tools, you'll create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900. This recipe serves 4, contains about 350 calories per serving, and is suitable for a balanced diet. The difficulty level is easy, and the total cooking time is about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including preparation. Slow cooking ensures moist and tender chicken while infusing marinade flavors deeply. Food safety is emphasized with clear internal temperature guidelines and food handling advice throughout.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Marinade

1In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together well to create a smooth marinade.

Marinate the Chicken Drumsticks

2Place the chicken drumsticks into a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours, or overnight for best flavor absorption.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

3Remove the drumsticks from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place Drumsticks in Slow Cooker

4Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour any leftover marinade over the drumsticks for extra flavor.

Slow Cook the Chicken

5Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F) and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part without touching the bone.

Optional: Crisp the Skin

6If you want crispy skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step is optional and adds a delightful texture.

Serve and Enjoy

7Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after cooking to reabsorb the juices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the tender, flavorful meat.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken with hot soapy water.

2Use a clean plate when handling cooked chicken to prevent contamination from raw meat.

3You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweet note in the marinade.

4For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.

5If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the marinated drumsticks in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic
Meat thermometer
Baking sheet (optional for broiling)

Shopping List

[ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces) - Look for fresh, firm meat with no odor; skin-on for juicier results. Approx. $6.
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - Choose extra virgin for best flavor. Approx. $4.
[ ] Soy sauce (bottle) - Use low sodium if preferred. Approx. $2.
[ ] Honey (small jar) - Raw or regular honey works well. Approx. $3.
[ ] Garlic (one head) - Fresh and firm cloves. Approx. $0.50.
[ ] Lemon (one or two for juice) - Choose firm and heavy for size. Approx. $0.50.
[ ] Paprika (small jar) - Smoked or sweet variety optional. Approx. $1.
[ ] Dried oregano (small jar) - Can substitute with Italian seasoning. Approx. $1.
[ ] Salt and black pepper - Check your pantry or buy basic seasoning tins. Approx. $1.

Total estimated cost: around $12.00. Prices vary by location and store.

FAQ

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours?

Yes, marinating overnight (up to 24 hours) is great to enhance flavor and tenderness, but avoid exceeding 24 hours as the texture might become too soft.

How do I know when the chicken is safe to eat?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.