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