Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Printable version)
Juicy drumsticks slow-cooked in savory-sweet Asian glaze with honey, soy sauce, ginger and garlic.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 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 It:
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.
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. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The hands off cooking time lets you binge watch your favorite show while dinner practically makes itself
- That sticky glazed finish looks and tastes like something from a restaurant but costs a fraction of the price
02 -
- Dont skip the cornstarch step unless you prefer a thinner sauce that pools rather than clings to the chicken
- That quick broil at the end creates those caramelized edges that make this feel like takeout from your favorite spot
03 -
- Line your slow cooker with a baking sheet for easy cleanup since the sugars can get sticky
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after glazing so the sauce sets instead of running right off