Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs are a delicious and easy dish featuring tender, juicy chicken legs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This simple slow cooker recipe delivers flavorful chicken with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, hands-off cooking in the slow cooker
• Chicken legs become fall-off-the-bone tender
• Sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with a sticky glaze
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Pairs well with rice, vegetables, or potatoes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 3 pounds chicken legs (drumsticks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels.
   • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add to Slow Cooker:
   • Place chicken legs in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
   • Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
   • Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Optional Broil for Crispy Skin:
   • For crispier chicken legs, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.
   • Brush with extra sauce and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly caramelized.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
   • Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 5-6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a splash of sesame oil to the sauce.
• Sticky BBQ Chicken Legs: Swap ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an aromatic touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken legs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of legs?

Yes, chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even wings work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from getting too dry?

Cooking on low heat helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking.

3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?

Yes, carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added for a complete meal. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through.

5. How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the honey or add a bit more vinegar to balance the flavors.

6. What can I serve with honey garlic chicken legs?

Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?

Use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce on the stovetop until thickened.

9. Can I use frozen chicken legs in the slow cooker?

Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs are an easy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a deliciously sticky sauce. Whether you’re serving a crowd or preparing a family dinner, these chicken legs are sure to be a hit!

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