Hoisin and Honey Slow-Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are tender, sticky, and packed with rich sweet-savory flavor. This easy slow-cooker dish features chicken drumsticks simmered in a fragrant sauce made with hoisin, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. The result is fall-off-the-bone chicken coated in a glossy glaze that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
8 chicken drumsticks, skin removed for a lighter version
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for spice)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha if using. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and fragrant. -
Add to Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the top, turning the drumsticks to coat them well. -
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. -
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
Once cooked, remove the drumsticks and pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a small pot. Simmer it over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until it thickens into a glaze. Brush the thickened sauce over the drumsticks before serving. -
Serve:
Place the drumsticks on a serving plate and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp side salad.
Tips:
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For extra caramelized flavor, place the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for 3–5 minutes after glazing.
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Add sliced bell peppers or snow peas to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes for a one-pot meal.
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You can substitute hoisin with teriyaki sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 390
Protein: 34g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 720mg
