Slow Cooker Honey-Soy Chicken Drumsticks

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken drumsticks slow-cooked in a sticky honey-soy glaze that's sweet, savory, and perfect for a fuss-free dinner. This asian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 310 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, soy sauce, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 300 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 8 chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the honey-soy mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks, turning them to coat fully.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the chicken for fresh flavor and texture.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Honey-Soy Chicken Drumsticks take to make?

Total time is about 310 minutes (10 min prep + 300 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 Slow Cooker Honey-Soy 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 Slow Cooker Honey-Soy 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 Slow Cooker Honey-Soy 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 Slow Cooker Honey-Soy Chicken Drumsticks?

Asian 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.

Related recipes