These Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Drumsticks are packed with flavor! Coated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, they are super juicy and tender.
Cooking them in a slow cooker means they practically make themselves! I love coming home to that delicious smell and a dinner that’s ready to go—so easy and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are perfect for slow cooking since they stay juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken thighs would also work well, offering similar flavors and textures.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos can be a great alternative for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Honey: Honey adds a nice sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as good substitutes.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is key to the flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and a touch of peanut butter for a similar taste.
Ginger: Fresh ginger packs a punch! If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be a substitute, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Sauce?
Getting your sauce just right is essential for flavorful drumsticks. Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. A good mix ensures every piece of chicken is beautifully coated.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the strongest flavor.
- Don’t rush—allow the chicken to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes if possible before it goes in the slow cooker.
- When cooking, give it enough time on low heat—this really helps those flavors develop.
Lastly, remember: broiling the drumsticks briefly after cooking gives them that crave-worthy caramelization. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus cooking time in the slow cooker: about 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. If you choose to broil the drumsticks for added crispiness, plan on an extra 5 minutes for that step. It’s an easy and flavorful dish with plenty of time to mingle with the amazing Asian flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks:
Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken and gently toss everything together to make sure the drumsticks are thoroughly coated. Yum!
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily pull away from the bone. You can kick back and relax while it cooks—how great is that?
4. Add Crispiness (Optional):
If you want crispy skin on your drumsticks, preheat your broiler while the chicken is finishing up in the slow cooker. Line a baking sheet with foil to catch drips, then carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them on the baking sheet. Broil for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn, until they are golden and crispy!
5. Serve Your Drumsticks:
Transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter and spoon some of the delicious sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. This will keep them juicy and flavorful!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves on top as garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing just before you dig in. Enjoy your tender, tasty Asian-inspired chicken drumsticks!
Happy cooking! 🍗✨
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken Instead of Drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully, as they stay juicy and flavorful while slow cooking. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may dry out a bit compared to darker meat.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge for easy cooking when you’re ready. Just add everything to the slow cooker straight from the fridge. No need to adjust the cooking time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the drumsticks for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re completely cooled before transferring to the freezer.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you’d like it spicier, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some Sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Adjust to your taste!
