Oh, the joys of coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked chicken drumsticks! Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or need a fuss-free dinner that pleases the whole family, these 12 recipes are your ticket to deliciousness. From tangy BBQ to creamy garlic parmesan, each dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to transform your slow cooker into a magic pot? Let’s dive in!
Honey Garlic Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Savvy food lovers, brace yourselves for a dish that’s about to make your slow cooker your new best friend. These honey garlic chicken drumsticks are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and downright delicious, with a ‘set it and forget it’ ease that’ll have you doing a happy dance around your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1/3 cup raw, unfiltered honey
- 1/4 cup tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp clarified butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, tamari sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and grated ginger until fully combined.
- Heat the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken drumsticks and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure a proper sear.
- Transfer the seared drumsticks to the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic mixture and chicken bone broth over the drumsticks, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and pulls away from the bone with ease. Tip: Resist the urge to peek, as lifting the lid can significantly reduce the cooking temperature.
- Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker. For a glossy finish, broil the drumsticks on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Tip: Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning.
Ready to dive in? These drumsticks boast a fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a sticky, caramelized exterior that’s packed with flavor. Serve them atop a mound of fluffy jasmine rice or with a side of roasted veggies for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent.
BBQ Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Mmm, imagine this: succulent chicken drumsticks, slow-cooked to perfection, slathered in a smoky BBQ sauce that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular Tuesday into a backyard BBQ extravaganza—no invite required.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce (or your favorite store-bought brand)
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Salt, to season
Instructions
- Preheat your slow cooker to the low setting (200°F) to ensure it’s ready when you are.
- Season the chicken drumsticks evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Melt the clarified butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F) and sear the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in those juicy flavors!
- Transfer the seared drumsticks to the slow cooker and pour in the chicken stock to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Cover the drumsticks with BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated for that finger-licking goodness.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to fall off the bone. Pro tip: Resist the urge to peek too often—slow cookers work best when left alone.
- For a caramelized finish, transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Another pro tip: This is the perfect time to sneak a bite—chef’s privilege!
Ready to dive in? These drumsticks boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smoky, slightly spicy kick that’s balanced by the sweet tang of BBQ sauce. Serve them atop a pile of creamy coleslaw for a crunch contrast that’s downright genius.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetables

Kick back and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with these succulent Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Vegetables. Perfect for those days when you’d rather Netflix and chill than slave over a stove, this dish promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 2 cups organic chicken stock, low-sodium
- 1 cup clarified butter
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear.
- Heat the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Sear the drumsticks for 3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits, and pour over the drumsticks.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, tossing gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Tip: For an extra flavor boost, let the drumsticks marinate in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yield to the tender pull of the chicken, where each bite is a juicy, herb-infused delight. Serve atop a mound of creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
Teriyaki Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Ready to turn your slow cooker into a flavor bomb? These Teriyaki Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks are about to become your weeknight superhero, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and downright delicious with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 8 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup high-quality teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, raw honey, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Place the pasture-raised chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
- Pour the teriyaki mixture over the chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece is generously coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and pulls away from the bone with ease. Tip: Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on ensures even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
- Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken drumsticks to a serving platter, spooning over any remaining sauce from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Tip: For an extra glossy finish, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each drumstick is lavishly drizzled with the reduced teriyaki sauce. Tip: Pair with steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Craving something that’s sticky, sweet, and packed with umami? These drumsticks deliver a succulent texture and a depth of flavor that’ll have you licking your fingers clean. Try serving them atop a mound of fluffy rice, letting the sauce seep into every grain for an unforgettable bite.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Yum, you’re in for a treat with these slow-cooked chicken drumsticks smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s so rich, it’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Perfect for those days when you want to impress without the stress, this dish is a cozy hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups wild mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Season the chicken drumsticks generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the clarified butter until it shimmers.
- Sear the drumsticks until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms and garlic until the mushrooms are golden and any released liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the mushroom mixture over the drumsticks in the slow cooker, add the thyme, and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a luxurious sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Mmm, the drumsticks emerge succulent and enveloped in a velvety mushroom sauce that’s bursting with umami goodness. Serve them over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness.
Spicy Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks

Hold onto your hats, spice lovers, because we’re about to dive into a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance the cha-cha! These Spicy Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect blend of fiery and tender, guaranteed to spice up your dinner routine without setting off the smoke alarm.
Ingredients
- 8 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 1 cup organic tomato paste
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your slow cooker on the high setting for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, minced garlic, and sea salt to create your spice rub.
- Generously coat each chicken drumstick with the spice rub, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered for maximum flavor.
- Melt the clarified butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms, locking in those juicy flavors.
- Transfer the seared drumsticks to the preheated slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar to deglaze the skillet, then add the liquid to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. Resist the urge to peek, as lifting the lid releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks and set aside. Stir in the organic tomato paste into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, then return the drumsticks to coat evenly.
Kick back and marvel at your creation: drumsticks so tender, they practically beg to be devoured, with a sauce that packs a punch but won’t knock you out. Serve these bad boys over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a crisp, cooling slaw to balance the heat.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes and Carrots

Just when you thought your slow cooker couldn’t get any more magical, here comes a dish that’ll have you doing a happy dance around your kitchen. These slow-cooked chicken drumsticks with potatoes and carrots are the epitome of comfort food, with a twist of elegance that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
- 1 cup heirloom carrots, sliced diagonally
- 1/4 cup clarified butter
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
Instructions
- Preheat your slow cooker on the high setting for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with clarified butter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for that golden, crispy skin.
- Arrange the coated drumsticks at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer for optimal heat distribution.
- Scatter the quartered Yukon Gold potatoes and diagonally sliced heirloom carrots around and between the drumsticks.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh rosemary, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
- Pour the low-sodium chicken stock gently over the ingredients, avoiding washing away the seasonings.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are fork-tender.
- For a crispier skin, transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Unbelievably tender and packed with flavor, these drumsticks pair perfectly with a crusty bread to soak up the rich, herby juices. Serve atop a bed of the melt-in-your-mouth vegetables for a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks in Tomato Sauce

Ready to turn your slow cooker into a magic pot that conjures up tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks swimming in a rich, tangy tomato sauce? Let’s dive into this no-fuss, all-flavor recipe that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 2 cups San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Season the pasture-raised chicken drumsticks with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sear in the skillet until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3 minutes per side. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure a perfect sear.
- Transfer the seared drumsticks to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to combine, then pour the mixture over the drumsticks in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Tip: Resist the urge to peek, as lifting the lid can significantly reduce the cooking temperature.
- Garnish with fresh basil chiffonade before serving. Tip: For an extra flavor boost, let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
Heavenly doesn’t even begin to describe these drumsticks—succulent meat that practically leaps off the bone, enveloped in a sauce that’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Serve them over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that glorious sauce.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Herbs and Wine

Now, let’s talk about turning those humble chicken drumsticks into a masterpiece that’ll have your taste buds doing the tango. With a splash of wine and a sprinkle of herbs, we’re about to make magic happen in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
Instructions
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear.
- Heat the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Sear the drumsticks for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Transfer the seared drumsticks to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then deglaze with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour the wine and garlic mixture over the drumsticks in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Add the chicken stock to the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid comes halfway up the drumsticks.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone. Tip: Resist the urge to peek, as lifting the lid releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Once done, let the drumsticks rest in the cooker for 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Tip: For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced by half.
Absolutely divine, these drumsticks are fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich, herb-infused sauce that’s begging to be drizzled over mashed potatoes or sopped up with crusty bread. Serve them atop a bed of wild rice for an earthy contrast that’ll make your dinner guests think you’ve been slaving away all day.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Milk

Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Milk
Savory, succulent, and slightly sinful, these slow-cooked chicken drumsticks are about to become your weeknight hero. Drenched in creamy coconut milk and infused with a symphony of spices, they’re the lazy gourmet’s dream come true.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the clarified butter until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken drumsticks, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a perfect sear.
- Reduce heat to low and add the ginger, garlic, turmeric, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine, then cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures the chicken stays tender.
- After 45 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle with fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Tip: For an extra zing, add a sprinkle of lime zest over the top.
Every bite of these drumsticks is a tender, flavorful journey, with the coconut milk creating a luxuriously silky sauce. Serve them over a bed of jasmine rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Lemon and Garlic

Ever find yourself staring into the abyss of your fridge, wondering how to turn those lonely chicken drumsticks into a meal that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance? Look no further, because we’re about to transform those humble drumsticks into a zesty, garlicky masterpiece that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your slow cooker to the low setting, ensuring it’s ready to embrace those drumsticks with warmth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated.
- Transfer the drumsticks to the slow cooker, pouring any remaining marinade over the top for an extra flavor punch.
- Add the chicken stock to the slow cooker, covering the drumsticks halfway to keep them moist and tender.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is so tender it practically falls off the bone with a gentle nudge.
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks and set aside. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the butter until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Return the drumsticks to the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
With a texture that’s fall-off-the-bone tender and flavors that sing with bright lemon and rich garlic, these drumsticks are begging to be served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a crisp, green salad for contrast.
Slow Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Soy Sauce and Ginger

Oh boy, if you’re looking for a dish that’ll have your taste buds doing the cha-cha, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe. These slow-cooked chicken drumsticks are like a cozy blanket for your soul, marinated in a soy sauce and ginger concoction that’s nothing short of magical.
Ingredients
- 6 pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Transfer the marinated drumsticks and the marinade to a slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 15 minutes on high.
- Garnish the drumsticks with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Best enjoyed when the chicken is so tender it practically leaps off the bone, with a sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami. Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or with a side of crisp, stir-fried vegetables for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Delightful doesn’t even begin to cover these 12 slow-cooked chicken drumstick recipes! Perfect for busy home cooks, each dish promises ease and flavor in every bite. We’d love to hear which recipe wins your heart—drop a comment below. And if you’re as excited about these dishes as we are, don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest. Happy cooking!