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Sweet & Savory: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Drumsticks Made Easy

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Introduction

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier—and tastier. These Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are a flavor-packed, set-it-and-forget-it solution for busy days. Tender chicken falls off the bone after being slow-simmered in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to maximize taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For 4–6 servings, you’ll need:

2 pounds (about 8) chicken drumsticks, skin-on

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

⅓ cup honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra depth)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)

Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped scallions, red pepper flakes

Preparation

Prep the Drumsticks:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce cling better during cooking.

Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.

Layer and Cook:
Place the drumsticks in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on:

LOW for 6–7 hours

HIGH for 3–4 hours

Thicken the Sauce:
Once cooked, transfer drumsticks to a plate. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened to a glossy glaze.

Coat and Serve:
Return the drumsticks to the slow cooker or toss them directly in the thickened sauce. Garnish as desired.

Presentation and Storage Tips

Serve hot, topped with sesame seeds and scallions, over steamed jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables.

For a party-friendly version, stick toothpicks in each drumstick and serve as finger food.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce will thicken more after chilling—just add a splash of water to loosen it.

Variants

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