Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks: The Easy Weeknight Dinner with Big Flavor


 

How to Make Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

1. Prep the Drumsticks

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
This helps the sauce stick and enhances the flavor.

2. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Honey

  • Soy sauce

  • Vinegar

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

  • Ketchup or hoisin

  • Sesame oil

  • Red pepper flakes

The mixture should taste sweet, salty, tangy, and a little sharp—it will mellow beautifully as it cooks.

3. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the drumsticks into the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring they are well coated.

4. Cook

  • Low: 6–7 hours

  • High: 3–4 hours

The chicken will become tender, and the sauce will reduce slightly.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Worth It)

For that sticky, glossy finish:

  1. Remove the drumsticks and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.

  2. Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan.

  3. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened—or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

6. Broil for Caramelization

Brush thickened sauce over the drumsticks.
Broil for 3–5 minutes until the edges become caramelized and sticky.

7. Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with roasted vegetables on the side.

What It Tastes Like

The finished dish is:

  • Sticky and glossy

  • Sweet, savory, and garlicky

  • Deep with soy flavor and honey richness

  • A mix of tender meat and caramelized edges

Every bite hits the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Don’t skip drying the drumsticks—helps them brown and soak up flavor.

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent overly salty sauce.

  • Add cornstarch at the end if you like your glaze extra sticky.

  • Broil briefly for restaurant-style caramelization.

  • Double the sauce if serving with rice or noodles—it’s that good.

A Slow Cooker Classic Worth Repeating

Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks prove that comfort food can be simple, rich, and foolproof. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and almost no effort, you get tender chicken coated in a luscious glaze that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.