If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dinner that brings big flavor with minimal effort, these Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Drumsticks are here to save the day.
Sweet, savory, and finger-licking good, they’re the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but looks like you spent hours making it. With a simple homemade glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic, these drumsticks soak up all the deliciousness as they slow cook into tender, juicy perfection.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is always a hit. And the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of home-cooked magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fuss-free and perfect for busy days
- Sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite
- Kid-approved and great for casual dinners or meal prep
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Hands-off cooking with delicious results every time
Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment Needed:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan (optional)
- Tongs or spoon
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and arrange them snugly in your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon or tongs to gently turn the drumsticks and ensure they’re all coated in the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those rich flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once cooked, carefully transfer the drumsticks to a plate and loosely cover with foil. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce cook for another 10–15 minutes until it thickens to a glossy glaze. (Alternatively, pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened if you’re short on time.)
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the drumsticks to the thickened sauce or pour the glaze generously over them on a serving plate. Serve warm with rice, steamed veggies, or a crunchy slaw.
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the sauce for 1–2 hours (or overnight) before cooking.
- If you like a crispier texture, broil the cooked drumsticks in the oven for 3–4 minutes after slow cooking, then glaze with the thickened sauce.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or a mix of both for a twist.
- Use a garlic press for quicker prep and more concentrated garlic flavor.
Sticky, savory, and impossibly easy—this is a slow cooker classic you’ll want on repeat!
Print Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and arrange them snugly in your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Use a spoon or tongs to gently turn the drumsticks and ensure they’re all coated in the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those rich flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once cooked, carefully transfer the drumsticks to a plate and loosely cover with foil. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce cook for another 10–15 minutes until it thickens to a glossy glaze. (Alternatively, pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened if you’re short on time.)
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the drumsticks to the thickened sauce or pour the glaze generously over them on a serving plate. Serve warm with rice, steamed veggies, or a crunchy slaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
