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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These slow-cooked chicken legs are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, making them fall-off-the-bone tender. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this dish is full of rich flavors with a touch of sweetness. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce – In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add chicken to slow cooker – Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the sauce – Evenly pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken legs.
  4. Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  5. Thicken the sauce (optional) – If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and simmer over medium heat until thickened.
  6. Serve – Return the thickened sauce to the chicken, toss to coat, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • If you prefer crispy skin, broil the cooked chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
  • You can substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs or wings.
  • Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a one-pot meal.