Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks
If you love sweet, savory, and fall-off-the-bone tender chicken, these Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are about to become your new favorite. This easy recipe combines the rich umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the warmth of garlic and ginger to create a sticky glaze that coats every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings, this dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does most of the work.
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Irresistible glaze – Sweet, savory, sticky, and slightly caramelized.
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Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Versatile – Works as both a main dish or party appetizer.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks
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8–10 chicken drumsticks – Juicy, budget-friendly, and perfect for slow cooking.
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½ cup soy sauce – Brings rich, savory umami flavor.
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½ cup honey – Balances the soy with natural sweetness.
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¼ cup ketchup – Adds tang and depth while thickening the sauce.
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2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps enrich the sauce.
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4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses aromatic flavor.
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – Adds warmth and zest.
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1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – A touch of heat for spice lovers.
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Salt and pepper, to taste – Basic seasoning for balance.
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Chopped green onions, for garnish – Freshness and color to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken drumsticks lightly with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Coat the Drumsticks
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
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Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Broil for Stickiness
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Preheat your oven to broil.
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Carefully transfer the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking tray.
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Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken.
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Broil for 5–7 minutes, or until the glaze becomes sticky, glossy, and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Variations & Tips
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Spicy twist – Add 1 tablespoon of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
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Citrusy freshness – Squeeze the juice of one lime into the sauce before cooking.
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Gluten-free option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Nutty aroma – Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for depth of flavor.
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No slow cooker? Bake the drumsticks at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce.
What to Serve with Honey Soy Drumsticks
These sticky chicken drumsticks pair wonderfully with:
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Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
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Stir-fried or roasted vegetables
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Asian-style noodle salad
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Fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave for quick servings.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a savory-sweet sauce and finished with a sticky caramelized glaze makes this dish a true family favorite. Whether you serve it for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe will quickly become a regular on your menu.