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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) The main ingredients for this dish shine with flavor. Chicken drumsticks bring juicy meat and crispy skin. Honey adds natural sweetness, while low-sodium soy sauce gives a savory touch. For extra zing, garlic and fresh ginger are key. They bring warmth and depth to the marinade. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of tang, balancing the sweetness. Sesame oil gives a nutty note, making the sauce even richer. If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch works great. Just mix it with cold water first. Green onions and sesame seeds make simple garnishes. They add color and a fresh crunch to your dish. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful meal. To start, you need to make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, add: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves minced garlic - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend into a smooth mixture. You can taste it and adjust the flavors. Want more sweetness? Add honey. Need more salt? Toss in a bit more soy sauce. Next, let’s prepare the chicken drumsticks. First, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key. A dry surface helps the skin get crispy. Now, sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the chicken. This simple seasoning lets the flavor shine through. Now, you’re ready to cook. Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic marinade over them, covering each piece well. You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Either way, keep an eye on the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This step ensures your chicken is safe and tender. If you like a thicker sauce, after cooking, remove the drumsticks. Pour the sauce into a saucepan. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the sauce over medium heat. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, you can return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation! Marinating Time Recommendations Marinating is key for great flavor. I suggest marinating the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate them for a few hours or overnight. This way, the honey and garlic will soak in deeply. Avoiding Overcrowding in the Slow Cooker Do not crowd the drumsticks in the slow cooker. Give them space to cook evenly. If needed, cook in two batches. This helps each piece get tender and juicy. How to Use Cornstarch Slurry If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the sauce when done cooking. Heat it for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Alternative Ways to Thicken Sauce You can also thicken the sauce by simmering it longer. Just remove the lid and cook it down. This method intensifies the flavors too. Pairing with Side Dishes Serve these drumsticks with rice or steamed veggies. They go well with a fresh salad too. Try pairing with some warm bread for a complete meal. Presentation Ideas For a nice touch, sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a bit of crunch. Arrange the drumsticks neatly on a platter for a great look. {{image_2}} Alternative Sweeteners You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness but change the flavor a bit. Try using brown sugar for a richer taste. Just mix it well with the other ingredients. Gluten-Free Options For gluten-free dishes, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This will keep the flavor while making the dish safe for those with gluten issues. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten. Adding Spices or Herbs Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can bring freshness. Experiment with your favorites to make it unique. Heat Levels: Sweet vs. Spicy You can balance sweet and spicy by adding hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Try sweet chili sauce for a milder heat that keeps the sweetness. Instant Pot or Stovetop Methods You can use an Instant Pot if you need it done fast. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. For stovetop, brown the drumsticks first, then simmer in the marinade until cooked through. Using Different Cuts of Chicken If you don’t have drumsticks, use thighs or breasts. Cook time may vary, so check for doneness. Remember, the sauce will still be tasty with any cut you choose! How long does your honey garlic chicken last in the fridge? It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure you store it in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents nasty odors from other foods. For proper storage, I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These help keep flavors locked in. You can also use resealable bags. Just squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Want to save some for later? You can freeze the leftovers! Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just be careful to not cook it while thawing. What can you do with leftover chicken? You can shred it and use it in tacos or salads. It adds a sweet and savory flavor that everyone loves. For meal prep, use it in wraps or stir-fries. You can mix it with rice and veggies for a quick lunch. The options are endless. Enjoy your tasty creations! Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks in this recipe. However, you must thaw them safely before cooking. The best way is to move them to the fridge overnight. If you need them thawed quickly, you can use cold water. Just place the drumsticks in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about an hour. When using frozen chicken, you must adjust the cooking time. If you cook them from frozen, add an extra hour on low or about 30 minutes on high. Always check the internal temperature to ensure safety. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures that harmful bacteria are gone. Look for other signs too. The meat should be tender and pull away from the bone easily. When you cut into it, the juices should run clear, not pink. If you need a soy sauce substitute, try coconut aminos or tamari. Both options work well for different diets. Coconut aminos is a great choice for a soy-free option, while tamari is gluten-free. When you swap out soy sauce, adjust the flavors. Coconut aminos is sweeter, so you might want to cut back on honey a bit. Always taste as you go! You now have a full guide to making delicious chicken drumsticks. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting flavor and texture. You learned how to customize the recipe with variations and how to store any leftovers safely. Cooking should be fun and simple. Enjoy trying out these ideas in your kitchen. I hope you feel confident making this dish your own!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Sweet & Sticky Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks! This simple recipe highlights tender drumsticks marinated in a mouthwatering blend of honey, garlic, and ginger, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, these drumsticks are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

    Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season with a little salt and pepper. This helps the skin crisp up and allows the flavors to soak in.

      Place in Slow Cooker: Arrange the drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.

        Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

          Optional Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the drumsticks once they are cooked. Pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the sauce over medium heat. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

            Serve: Return the chicken drumsticks to the slow cooker to coat them in the thickened sauce or serve them individually drizzled with the sauce.

              Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 4