Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Print Version)
Juicy drumsticks in savory-sweet glaze, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 3.3 lbs), skin removed if desired
→ 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
07 - 1 tablespoon 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 sesame seeds
# How to Cook:
01 - Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the chicken, turning drumsticks to coat evenly.
03 - Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
04 - Remove drumsticks to a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
05 - Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Brush or spoon the thickened glaze over the drumsticks. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The glaze gets into every crevice so each bite is packed with flavor
- Set it and forget it cooking gives you that fall off the bone texture without babysitting
- The finishing sauce transformation is pure kitchen magic that makes everyone think you worked harder than you did
02 -
- The sauce will look thin and watery when you first pour it out but the cornstarch step is non negotiable for that restaurant style glaze
- Broiling the glazed drumsticks for 2 minutes creates that caramelized exterior that makes people think you grilled them
03 -
- Marinate the drumsticks in the glaze for an hour before cooking for even deeper flavor penetration
- Line your slow cooker with a parchment paper sling for easy cleanup since this glaze gets sticky