Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and savory drumsticks with a sticky maple glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the slow cooker, guaranteed to become a weekly favorite. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 255 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, pure maple syrup, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs chicken drumsticks in slow cooker, then add 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Increase heat to HIGH and cook sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to slow cooker and toss to coat in glaze. Cook on LOW for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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