Name: Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487654H24M36S
Total time: PT-487654H24M36S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup honey; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 12 medium chicken drumsticks (3-3 1/2 pounds), skin removed (see Tip); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks might just become your new go-to recipe for weeknight magic. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken so infused with zesty orange, sweet honey, and a hint of Asian-inspired spice that every bite makes you pause and savor. What’s even better? This dish is laughably easy — the slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting! Whether you’re prepping for a laid-back family dinner or want something a little special without hovering over a hot stove, these drumsticks deliver meltingly delicious results every time.

Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks lies in its balance of simple staples and vibrant flavors. Each ingredient has a starring role, working together to create that signature tangy-sweet sauce and juicy, aromatic chicken. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:

Honey: Delivers natural sweetness and helps develop the sticky glaze you’ll want to lick off your fingers.
Orange zest: Adds concentrated citrusy brightness for a flavor boost that tastes fresh and lively.
Orange juice: Provides juicy tang and helps balance the sweetness of the honey and richness of the chicken.
Reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Offers deep umami flavor while keeping things gluten-free if needed.
Garlic, minced: Gives those irresistible savory notes and brings depth to the sauce.
Fresh ginger, minced: Adds warmth, gentle spice, and classic Asian flair.
Rice vinegar: Brings just enough acidity to cut through the sweetness and enrich the overall profile.
Crushed red pepper: Introduces a subtle heat that balances and brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
Chicken drumsticks, skin removed: Drumsticks stay juicy and absorb the sauce beautifully — removing the skin helps the flavors soak right in.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Sprinkled over at the end for a fresh, herbaceous pop.
Toasted sesame seeds: Add toasty crunch and irresistible nutty aroma to the final dish.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sauce

Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper. Take a moment to inhale — this is where all the flavor begins, and you want to make sure everything is well combined. The citrus mingles with the honey and ginger, hinting at the bright, sticky glaze that will coat your drumsticks.

Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker and Chicken

Coat a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Place the skinless chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer. If you want maximum flavor, try to nestle them snugly so each piece gets a good drizzle of sauce.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Cook

Pour the glossy sauce you whisked up right over the drumsticks in the slow cooker. Toss to coat every piece (a quick toss with tongs works wonders). Now, cover and let the magic happen: set your slow cooker to High for 2 to 3 hours or Low for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The result? Drumsticks that reach a perfect 165 degrees F – juicy, tender, and irresistibly fragrant.

Step 4: Reduce the Sauce

Once the drumsticks are perfectly cooked, transfer them gently to a large bowl (tongs help here). Carefully pour the cooking liquid into a medium skillet and bring it to a boil over high heat. Watch as the sauce turns syrupy and thickens in 10 to 15 minutes, intensifying in flavor and becoming the glossy coating that sets these drumsticks apart.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Pour the reduced, sticky sauce right over those drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Finish with a flourish — sprinkle on the chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for extra freshness and crunch. The aroma will have everyone in your kitchen circling for a taste!

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds right before serving. Not only do they add lovely color and crunch, but the cilantro injects a burst of herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the honey-orange sauce. If you want to turn up the wow factor, add a few curls of extra orange zest or sliced scallions for a bit of zing and visual pop.

Side Dishes

Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks love versatile company! Fluffy jasmine or brown rice soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce, while steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed greens offer a crisp and colorful contrast. For heartier fare, try with simple buttered noodles, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crunchy cucumber salad to balance the sweet, savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, pile the drumsticks onto a warm platter and shower them with garnishes so everyone can help themselves. Hosting friends? Serve them upright in a shallow bowl, drizzled with the glossy sauce and scattered with toppings — they’ll look effortlessly festive. For lunchboxes or potlucks, you can even cool the drumsticks, bring them along with a side of dipping sauce, and let the bold flavors steal the show at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks store beautifully. Let any leftovers cool completely, then pack them in an airtight container with extra sauce to keep everything moist. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, simply arrange cooked and cooled drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container along with the thickened sauce. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months — just be sure to label with the date to keep track!

Reheating

Reheating is straightforward: either gently warm the drumsticks (with sauce) in a covered skillet over medium heat, or microwave them in short bursts until heated through, spooning extra sauce over the top so they stay luscious. If frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and soak up the honey-orange sauce just as well. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook slightly faster or slower depending on their size.

What if I only have regular soy sauce?

You can use regular soy sauce in place of reduced-sodium, but be aware the finished dish will be saltier. To balance, consider reducing the quantity by a tablespoon and tasting the sauce before adding more.

Can I make Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks ahead of time for a party?

Yes! In fact, making Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks a day ahead can actually deepen the flavors. Simply store them with plenty of sauce, then reheat gently when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

Do I have to remove the skin from the drumsticks?

While you don’t have to, removing the skin helps the flavors soak straight into the meat and helps the sauce cling. Plus, it cuts down on excess fat in the finished dish, letting the honey-orange glaze shine.

What can I do with extra sauce?

Don’t let that delicious honey-orange sauce go to waste! Spoon it over rice, steamed vegetables, or even grilled tofu for an extra flavor boost. It’s a tasty bonus you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts cozy and craveable, Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks tick every box. They’re easy enough for busy nights, tasty enough to wow your guests, and so full of zesty flavor you’ll want them on regular rotation. Give this crowd-pleaser a try and get ready for some serious dinner table applause!

Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (High) or 4 hours 15 minutes (Low)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of citrus. Tender, juicy drumsticks cooked in a sticky honey-orange glaze make for a delicious and easy dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and crushed red pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Coat a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add drumsticks, pour in the sauce, and mix to coat. Cover and cook on High for 2-3 hours or Low for 4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Thicken the Sauce: Transfer the drumsticks to a bowl. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a skillet. Boil over high heat until reduced and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, stir to coat, and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a crispier texture, broil the drumsticks for a few minutes after coating them with the reduced sauce.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours on High or 4 hours on Low
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian