Transform ordinary chicken drumsticks into flavorful delights with our slow cooker masterpiece
What To Know
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
- A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty drumsticks.
- You can also cook chicken drumsticks in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of succulent chicken drumsticks, effortlessly prepared in the comfort of your slow cooker. This delectable chicken drumsticks recipe for slow cooker guarantees tender meat, infused with a symphony of herbs and spices, leaving you with a culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Drumsticks: Season the chicken drumsticks generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Create the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Marinate the Drumsticks: Submerge the chicken drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker insert. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and place them in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on Low: Pour the remaining marinade over the drumsticks. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
6. Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness: Transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the succulent chicken drumsticks immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
Variations
- Spicy Drumsticks: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Honey Mustard Drumsticks: Replace the barbecue sauce with 1/2 cup of honey mustard.
- Teriyaki Drumsticks: Use teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
- Lemon-Herb Drumsticks: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the marinade.
Tips for Success
- Choose Bone-In Drumsticks: Bone-in drumsticks provide more flavor and moisture.
- Marinate Overnight: The longer the drumsticks marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
- Cook on Low: Cooking on low allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Broil for Crispiness: Broiling the drumsticks after slow cooking adds a satisfying crispy exterior.
- Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken drumsticks with complementary sides to complete the meal.
Pairing Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the savory drumsticks.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, add a healthy and flavorful touch.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the drumsticks.
- Cornbread: Warm, fluffy cornbread is a classic accompaniment to any Southern-style meal.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty drumsticks.
Final Thoughts
This chicken drumsticks recipe for slow cooker is a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With its tender meat, flavorful marinade, and endless variations, this dish is a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use boneless chicken drumsticks? Yes, you can use boneless drumsticks, but the cooking time may be reduced to 4-6 hours on low.
- How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? The chicken is done when it is tender and falls off the bone easily. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Can I freeze the leftover chicken drumsticks? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What are some other ways to cook chicken drumsticks? You can also cook chicken drumsticks in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet.
- Can I use different sauces for marinating? Yes, you can experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy marinade.
