Asian Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Print View)
Tender drumsticks slow-cooked in a savory-sweet Asian glaze for juicy, fall-off-the-bone results.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 3.3 lbs), skin removed if preferred
→ 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 Make:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) 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. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid. Bring the sauce 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 becomes impossibly sticky and glossy, coating every inch in a sweet-savory lacquer that makes fingers absolutely necessary for eating
- Set it and forget it magic that somehow tastes like you spent hours babysitting a stove
02 -
- Skin-on vs skin-off is purely your call—skin stays crispier but absorbs less glaze, while skin-off lets all those flavors penetrate deeper into the meat
- The sauce reduction step is non-negotiable for that restaurant-style glossy finish
03 -
- Maple syrup works in a pinch if you're out of honey, though it changes the flavor profile slightly
- Double the sauce recipe if you're serving over rice—everyone will want extra