Make Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Today!

Get ready to experience the ultimate in slow-cooked, finger-licking goodness with this Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe! Juicy, tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a delectable honey-infused BBQ sauce – it’s a meal the whole family will devour. The slow cooking process ensures the meat practically falls off the bone, while the caramelized finish adds an irresistible sticky-sweet glaze. Serve these Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks as the star of your next family dinner, game day spread, or backyard barbecue for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• 3 lb chicken drumsticks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for broiling)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for stickier sauce)
• Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)

Preparing the Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

First, let’s get the chicken ready for its slow-cooked transformation. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres properly. Then, season the chicken all over with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This dry seasoning blend will infuse the meat with delicious flavor as it simmers.

Making the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar (if using), and apple cider vinegar (if using). The honey will lend a sticky-sweet glaze to the sauce, while the brown sugar and vinegar provide depth of flavor. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version – either will work beautifully in this recipe.

Slow Cooking the Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Now it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic! Add the seasoned chicken drumsticks to the slow cooker and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the top. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours or the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and cooked through.

The beauty of slow cooking these Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is that it allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly juicy and succulent. Just be sure to keep an eye on the sauce consistency, as the chicken will release some moisture during cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired texture.

Caramelizing the Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (Recommended)

For that signature sticky, caramelized glaze, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with additional BBQ sauce and broil for 2-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The high heat will create a delightful char and caramelized finish on the exterior of the chicken, turning them into the ultimate finger-licking treat.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or a classic coleslaw. For an even heartier meal, pair them with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to serve extra sauce on the side for dipping!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks in this recipe, but it’s important to note that the cooking time will be longer. If using frozen drumsticks, add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. It’s also a good idea to check the sauce’s consistency, as additional moisture from the frozen chicken could affect it.

How can I make Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks spicier?

To add some heat to your Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, consider incorporating ingredients like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a spicy BBQ sauce into the seasoning mix or sauce. Additionally, you can marinate the drumsticks in hot sauce for a few hours before cooking or serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side. Adjust the spice levels to your preference to achieve the desired kick!

What should I do if my chicken drumsticks are undercooked after the suggested cooking time?

If your chicken drumsticks are undercooked after the recommended cooking time, simply cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour on low until they reach the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. If you need to speed up the process, you can transfer the drumsticks to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake them for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey with other sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Each of these alternatives will provide a different flavor profile, so you may want to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. For instance, maple syrup may impart a richer flavor, while agave nectar is milder. If using brown sugar, you might consider dissolving it in a bit of warm water to ensure it mixes well with the sauce.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
• High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
• Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

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