Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Printable)

Juicy drumsticks in a savory-sweet Asian glaze. Slow-cooked to tender perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (about 3.3 lbs), skin removed if desired

→ Glaze

02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Garnish

13 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# How to Make:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the chicken, turning drumsticks to coat evenly.
03 - Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
04 - Remove drumsticks to a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
05 - Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid.
06 - Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
07 - Brush or spoon the thickened glaze over the drumsticks.
08 - Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken literally falls off the bone, making it perfect for both kids and adults
  • You get that takeout flavor without any takeout guilt or mystery ingredients
  • Your slow cooker does almost all the work while you go about your day
02 -
  • Skip the salt completely, since both the soy sauce and hoisin bring plenty of sodium
  • The cornstarch step is worth the extra few minutes, because nobody wants watery sauce
  • If you have time, marinate the drumsticks in half the glaze for an hour before cooking
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker insert with parchment for ridiculously easy cleanup
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding to the slow cooker for better glaze adherence

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