Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, delivering impossibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a glossy, sweet-and-smoky glaze. The perfect balance of honey and BBQ sauce creates a caramelized coating that is pure comfort food magic, ideal for busy weeknights or game day feasts.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Spatula
- Fork
- Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Broiler
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks skin-on, bone-in
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce smoky or hickory variety
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the dried drumsticks in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, using a spatula or your hands to ensure every drumstick is evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Optional: For a thicker glaze, remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, pour in the slurry, and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the drumsticks to the sauce and toss to coat.
- For the best texture, transfer the glazed drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with a little extra sauce from the slow cooker.
- Place under a hot broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce bubbles and begins to char in spots. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. To make it gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. The broiling step is highly recommended for achieving a sticky, caramelized exterior.