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Savory Crockpot Honey Garlic Drumsticks Recipe Perfect for Summer Picnic

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These savory crockpot honey garlic drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze perfect for summer picnics and casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection, they are a crowd-pleaser that travels well and tastes great warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • ½ cup honey (120 ml), preferably raw or local
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and water or chicken broth.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the sauce adhere better.
  3. Place the drumsticks in a single layer inside the crockpot. Slight overlapping is okay if the slow cooker is small.
  4. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the drumsticks, turning each piece gently to coat all sides.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours if short on time.
  6. Optional: About halfway through cooking, use tongs to turn each drumstick to help sauce penetration and prevent sticking.
  7. If the sauce is too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce it, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps the sauce stick better and prevents watery texture. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Turning the drumsticks halfway through cooking is optional but recommended for even sauce distribution. For a thicker glaze, finish cooking uncovered for the last 20 minutes. Broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking for crispy skin. Use tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze drumsticks separately from sauce for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic drumsticks, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, summer picnic recipe, easy chicken recipe, savory chicken drumsticks, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/savory-crockpot-honey-garlic-drumsticks-recipe-perfect-for-summer-picnic/