Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs is a fuss-free, flavorful dish that delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced glaze that pairs well with rice, veggies, or noodles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken legs (drumsticks)
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Ketchup
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Ginger (grated)
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Place the chicken legs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken legs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker sauce and stir well.
8. Allow the sauce to thicken by cooking on high for about 5-10 minutes.
9. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken legs and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
10. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
• Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice for a zesty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
• Different Protein: Substitute chicken legs with thighs or wings for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second increments or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking on low for 5-6 hours ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.

Can I use frozen chicken legs?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure they cook through.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement this meal well.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then allow a natural release.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce after cooking.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs work well, but reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors are appealing to kids. Adjust spice levels if needed.

What type of honey is best?

Raw honey or regular clover honey works well for this recipe.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?

Yes, finely chop or crush fresh garlic cloves for a more intense flavor.

How do I make this recipe low-carb?

Use a sugar-free honey substitute and reduce the amount of cornstarch.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs is an effortless yet delicious meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal prep. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving an easy dinner, this dish is a perfect choice. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal with ease!

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