Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Printable Version)
Juicy drumsticks slow-cooked in a sweet and savory Asian glaze until tender.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 3.3 lbs), skin removed if preferred
→ Asian Glaze
02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons water
→ Garnish
13 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl until completely smooth and well combined.
02 - Arrange chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert. Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken, using tongs to turn each piece and ensure even coating on all sides.
03 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and meat is tender enough to pull easily from the bone.
04 - Transfer cooked drumsticks to a serving platter using tongs and cover loosely with aluminum foil to maintain warmth while finishing the sauce.
05 - Pour cooking liquid from slow cooker into a small saucepan. Combine cornstarch and water in a separate cup to create a smooth slurry, then stir into the hot liquid.
06 - Bring sauce mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
07 - Brush or spoon the thickened glaze generously over each chicken drumstick, ensuring an even coating of the reduced sauce.
08 - Sprinkle sliced scallions and sesame seeds over the glazed chicken just before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The meat literally falls off the bone, making it perfect for both kids and adults who hate wrestling with their food
- You get that restaurant-quality glossy glaze without any of the usual restaurant prep work or fuss
02 -
- The sauce will look thin and almost watery when you first pour it out of the slow cooker but reducing it on the stovetop is what transforms it into that restaurant-style glaze
- Do not skip the cornstarch step without adjusting your expectations because the sauce will remain thin and wont cling to the chicken properly
03 -
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels before adding the glaze to help it adhere better
- If you have time, marinate the chicken in the glaze for an hour in the refrigerator before starting the slow cooker