Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Print Version)

Fall-off-the-bone tender drumsticks in a rich Asian glaze. Easy 4-hour slow cooker meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 3.3 lbs), skin removed if preferred

→ Asian Glaze

02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Garnish

13 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until thoroughly combined and sugar dissolves.
02 - Arrange chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert. Pour prepared glaze over chicken, using tongs to turn pieces and ensure even coating on all sides.
03 - Cover slow cooker with lid. Cook on low setting for 4 hours until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and meat is tender, nearly falling from bone.
04 - Transfer cooked drumsticks to a serving platter using tongs. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to maintain warmth while preparing sauce.
05 - Pour cooking liquid from slow cooker into small saucepan. In separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir cornstarch mixture into saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats spoon.
06 - Brush or spoon thickened sauce generously over drumsticks. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chicken practically falls off the bone, making it perfect for both kids and anyone who hates wrestling with their food
  • You get that takeout flavor without the takeout prices or mysterious ingredients
  • The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of removing chicken while you thicken the sauce, or you'll end up with tough, overcooked meat
  • The glaze continues to thicken as it cools, so don't panic if it seems slightly thin when you first take it off the heat
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding to the slow cooker if you want thicker glaze adherence
  • Maple syrup works as a one-to-one substitute if you are out of honey

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