5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Drumsticks: Effortless Weeknight Dinner!

Life gets busy, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or flavorless. Discover the magic of these incredibly easy Slow Cooker Drumsticks that practically cook themselves. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal. You’ll love how simple it is to achieve tender, saucy chicken, perfect for any busy weeknight.

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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks are a lifesaver when time is short. You’ll find yourself making them again and again due to their sheer simplicity and amazing taste.

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Just a few minutes of effort leads to incredibly tender and saucy chicken.
Budget-Friendly Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are a cost-effective protein, making this meal easy on your wallet.
Family-Friendly and Customizable: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory glaze. Adjust it to your family’s taste!
Dump-and-Go Convenience: Simply add ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
Versatile for Various Side Dishes: These Slow Cooker Drumsticks pair wonderfully with almost any side.

Ingredients

Get ready for an incredibly simple shopping list for these delicious Slow Cooker Drumsticks. You only need four main items to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Look for these essential ingredients at your local grocery store.

3 to 3.5 pounds chicken legs or drumsticks
1 cup jam or jelly (see notes below)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)

Notes & Substitutions

You have great flexibility with the jam or jelly in this recipe. Apricot, grape, peach, or even orange marmalade work wonderfully; just be sure to choose a seedless variety for the smoothest sauce. If you prefer, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt intake without sacrificing flavor. For an alternative, chicken thighs or wings can also be used, though cooking times might vary slightly. While the recipe technically makes “4-ingredient” drumsticks, we always add garlic for extra flavor. Feel free to include the minced garlic or garlic powder for an aromatic boost, along with a dash of black pepper or onion powder if desired.

Equipment

You don’t need much fancy gear for these fantastic slow cooker chicken drumsticks. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done efficiently.

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, fitting all the drumsticks comfortably.
Small Mixing Bowl: Use this to combine the sauce ingredients.
Whisk: A small whisk helps you mix the sauce smoothly and evenly.

Instructions

Making these Slow Cooker Drumsticks is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy parents. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless meal. You will be amazed at how easily these chicken drumsticks come together.

First, place the chicken legs directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, though a slight overlap is fine. Next, grab a small bowl and add the jam or jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined sauce. Now, carefully pour the prepared sauce evenly over all the chicken legs in the slow cooker. Make sure each drumstick is coated generously with the flavorful mixture.
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook the Slow Cooker Drumsticks on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, for a longer, slower cook, set your slow cooker to LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Once cooked, enjoy your delicious chicken drumsticks hot, spooning extra sauce over them if you wish.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect Slow Cooker Drumsticks is easy with these simple tips. Avoid overcrowding your slow cooker; this ensures even cooking and prevents steaming the chicken instead of simmering. For chicken drumsticks with a deliciously crispy skin, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of spice. Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the chicken or sauce from sticking to the bottom. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These Slow Cooker Drumsticks are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect fit for any meal.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your tender drumsticks over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed green beans or broccoli for a complete meal. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over your chosen sides.
Storage: Store any leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer for a crispier result.

Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a vibrant, fiery flavor.
Herbaceous: Mix in a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few sprigs of thyme during the last hour of cooking for an earthy aroma.
Sweet & Smoky: Swap out the ketchup for a smoky BBQ sauce to give your Slow Cooker Drumsticks a rich, hearty flavor profile.
Asian Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and a drizzle of sesame oil into the sauce for an authentic Asian-inspired taste.
Pineapple Glaze: Use pineapple jam and add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical, tangy sweetness.

Nutrition

Enjoying homemade meals like these Slow Cooker Drumsticks gives you more control over your family’s nutrition compared to restaurant alternatives. These chicken drumsticks offer a good source of protein to fuel your day. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful meal without excessive hidden ingredients or unhealthy fats often found in takeout.

Serving Size	1 of 6 servings
Calories	464 kcal
Carbohydrates	46 g
Protein	23 g
Fat	21 g
Fiber	1 g

FAQ

What kind of jam or jelly works best?

Apricot, grape, or peach jam are excellent choices, offering a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. Always choose a seedless variety for the smoothest sauce for your slow cooker chicken drumsticks.

Can I use frozen drumsticks?

It’s best to thaw your drumsticks completely before cooking to ensure even results and prevent excess liquid. If you cook from frozen, the cooking time will be significantly longer, and the sauce might become watery.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

After cooking the Slow Cooker Drumsticks, remove the chicken and whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) into the hot sauce. Simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until it thickens.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Drumsticks are a testament to how incredible simple cooking can be. You just combine a few basic pantry staples and let your slow cooker work its magic. The result is consistently tender, flavor-packed chicken that everyone at your table will adore. Say goodbye to dinner stress and hello to more time with your family. We encourage you to try this effortless recipe soon! Please share your experience, rate the recipe, and let us know what you think in the comments below.