Recipes » Main Dishes » Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

ByTammi Updated on
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with almost zero effort. The chicken drumsticks become fall-off-the-bone tender while slow cooking in a simple honey garlic sauce that turns sticky and caramelized. I love that I can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to dinner ready.

If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a lifesaver. The sweet and savory sauce appeals to kids and adults alike, and the tender meat is easy to eat. Plus, this quick and easy crockpot meal uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

honey garlic chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

While I love the ease and convenience of a great slow cooker recipe all year long, it’s this time of year that my crockpot really gets a workout.

With every meal ready when I walk in the door after a long day, I’m reminded why the slow cooker is the most used small appliance in my home.

Some of my favorite recipes are crock pot recipes, and specifically a slow cooker chicken recipe like our Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Yet if you love easy slow cooker chicken recipes, you’ll also want to try my Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken and Potatoes.

While I choose skinless boneless chicken so often, I love this recipe for being the best slow cooker drumsticks recipe. Whenever I pass by drumsticks at the grocer, I think of these crock pot chicken legs, and I start craving that delicious honey garlic sauce.

Yet this particular Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe really stands out for its outstanding flavour. This delicious meal quickly become a weeknight favourite for the whole family.

For another family-friendly chicken dinner, check out my Baked BBQ Chicken Legs.

honey garlic chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Budget-friendly: Chicken legs are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken at the grocery store.
  • Minimal hands-on time: Just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and turn on the slow cooker. There’s no browning, no sautéing, and no babysitting required.
  • Kid-approved flavor: The sweet honey balances the garlic perfectly, making this a recipe even selective eaters will devour.
  • Foolproof results: The slow cooker does all the work with just 15 minutes of prep time, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or drying out the chicken. It comes out tender every single time.
  • Uses pantry staples: You probably have everything you need already – no specialty ingredients or last-minute grocery runs.
  • Total Time: 4 Hrs
  • Serves: 6

Ingredients and Notes

As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Chicken Drumsticks/Legs – Slow Cooking is perfect for cooking dark meat chicken.
  • Honey – You could also use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar mixed with a little water. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
  • Soy Sauce – I like to use low sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness of the recipe.
  • Ketchup
  • Garlic Cloves – You can also use jarred garlic or garlic powder if preferred.
  • Corn Starch – to make a slurry to thicken the sauce.
  • Garnish – I like to top with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
slow cooker honey garlic chicken legs on rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks in the Slow Cooker

  1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray and turn on your crockpot. Cook time will be either 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
  2. Place water into the crockpot and then add the chicken making a layer on the bottom.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and onion.
  4. Salt and pepper the chicken as desired. The pour the sauce over the chicken. Place the lid on and cook.
  5. If you want to thicken the sauce: remove chicken 30 minutes before its done and make the slurry with the corn starch and water. Whisk into the liquid inside the crockpot, and turn onto high setting. Place the chicken back into the slow cooker and cook, lid off, for the remaining 30 minutes.
  6. Serve slow cooker chicken drumsticks hot with garnish of sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Enjoy!

How long does it take to cook chicken legs in a slow cooker?

Chicken legs take 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low in a slow cooker. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the meat pulls away easily from the bone.

Tips for Success

  • Choose similar-sized drumsticks: Try to select chicken legs that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If you have a few larger pieces, place them around the edges of the slow cooker where it’s typically hotter.
  • Don’t lift the lid: Every time you open the slow cooker, you release heat and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Resist the urge to check on it until the timer goes off.
  • Use fresh garlic if possible: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic gives a much brighter, more complex flavor that really makes the sauce shine.
  • Double the sauce for extra: If your family loves sauce (like mine does), double the sauce ingredients. You’ll have plenty for drizzling over rice or vegetables.
  • Check doneness with a thermometer: Chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Optional broil: After slow cooking, the chicken is tender yet you can broil them for 3-5 minutes if you’d like to crisp them up a little.
slow cooker honey garlic chicken legs on rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Recipe Variations

Protein Swaps

  • Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with the exact same cooking time and method. They’ll be just as tender and flavorful.
  • Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work but reduce cooking time to 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low to prevent drying out. They won’t have the same fall-off-the-bone texture.
  • Chicken wings: Perfect for game day! Use the same recipe and cooking time. You’ll get crispy, sticky wings that rival any sports bar.
  • Pork chops: Bone-in pork chops work beautifully with this sauce. Cook for 4-5 hours on low.

Sauce Variations

  • Spicy honey garlic: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet heat that’s addictive.
  • Honey garlic ginger: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
  • Orange honey garlic: Replace 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce with fresh orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • BBQ honey garlic: Mix in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the ketchup for a smoky-sweet combination.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

This recipe is saucy and flavorful, so it pairs best with sides that can soak up that delicious honey garlic glaze.

  • White rice or brown rice: The classic pairing. The rice absorbs all that sticky sauce perfectly.
  • Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option that still soaks up the sauce.
  • Mashed potatoes: Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes with honey garlic sauce drizzled on top is comfort food at its finest. You can try our Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash.
  • Egg noodles: The sauce clings beautifully to noodles.

Vegetable Sides:

  • Roasted broccoli: The slightly charred florets are the perfect contrast to the sweet sauce.
  • Roasted Green Beans: Simple and classic.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their natural bitterness balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • Glazed Carrots: Double down on the sweet flavor.
  • Asian cucumber salad: Provides a cool, crunchy contrast.
  • Simple green salad: Something light and fresh to balance the rich chicken.
honey garlic chicken legs on rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage:
Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container with the sauce poured over them. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. The sauce may solidify slightly when cold, but it will liquify again when reheated.

Freezer Storage:
These chicken legs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with the sauce. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer from the freezer to the refrigerator and let thaw overnight.

Reheating Instructions:

  • Oven method (best): Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken legs in a baking dish with the sauce, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil and turn on the broiler to re-crisp the skin.
  • Microwave method (fastest): Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish with sauce, cover loosely, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through. The skin won’t be as crispy, but the chicken will still taste delicious.
  • Slow cooker method: Place the chicken and sauce back in the slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours. This is great if you’re reheating a large batch.
  • Air fryer method: This is my favorite for reheating because it makes the skin crispy again. Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, brushing with extra sauce halfway through.

Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out into individual containers with rice and vegetables for easy weekday lunches. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as the chicken absorbs more of the sauce.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken legs?

No, you should always thaw chicken completely before slow cooking. It’s best to thaw your chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight before making this recipe.

How do you thicken the honey garlic sauce for chicken?

In this recipe, you’ll see ingredients and instructions on thickening the honey garlic sauce. While it’s optional, most would prefer a sticky thick sauce. Remove the cooked chicken, set the slow cooker to high, add in the corn starch slurry, add back in the chicken and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes until thickened.

Can I add vegetables right into the slow cooker with this recipe?

Yes, but choose wisely. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions work well because they take a long time to cook. Add them to the bottom of the slow cooker (they cook faster there) before adding the chicken. Softer vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers will become mushy, so add them during the last hour of cooking or serve them on the side.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you’ve tried Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs please let me know how it went in the comments below. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!

honey garlic chicken drumsticks on rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs

This is the easiest chicken recipe you'll ever make. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and the result is incredibly tender chicken coated in a sticky, restaurant-quality sauce. I've been making this for over 5 years, and it's one of the most-requested recipes in my house.
4.58 from 112 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Chinese
Author: Tammi

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs Chicken Drumsticks/Legs
  • salt and pepper to season
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 tbsp onion (finely chopped)
  • optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish

SLURRY TO THICKEN

  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • 4 tbsp water

Instructions

  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and turn on your crockpot. Cook time will be either 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
  • Place water into the crockpot and then add the chicken making a layer on the bottom. Salt and pepper the chicken as desired
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and onion.
  • Pour over the chicken, place the lid on.
  • If you want to thicken the sauce: remove chicken 30 minutes before its done and make the slurry with the corn starch and water. Whisk into the liquid inside the crockpot, and turn onto high setting. Place the chicken back into the slow cooker and cook, lid off, for the remaining 30 minutes.
  • Serve hot topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish, optional yet recommended. Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe works in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. If using a smaller 3-quart cooker, reduce the recipe by half.
Make-ahead tip: Mix the sauce ingredients and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days before cooking. When ready, just pour over the chicken and start the slow cooker.
Scaling: This recipe easily doubles or triples. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit all the chicken in no more than two layers.
Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container with the sauce poured over them. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Tried this recipe?Tag @MyOrganizedChaosBlog so I can share!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 240mg | Sodium: 1060mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g
Pin Recipe
slow cooker chicken legs text

Tammi Roy is a Canadian-based food creator at My Organized Chaos. Founded in 2009, My Organized Chaos is where she shares her love for family-friendly recipes that take some of the chaos out of daily life. *Learn more about Tammi here.

Similar Posts

Beer Can Barbecue Chicken recipe

Beer Can Barbecue Chicken

1 hour 25 minutes
| | |
A plate of food on a table, with Butter and Tart

Maple Pecan Butter Tarts

32 minutes
| | |
food, with Loaded Potato Casserole

Loaded Potato Casserole

55 minutes
| | |
food, with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

9 hours 45 minutes
| |
black raspberry crisp in a white bowl with vanilla ice cream on top.

Old Fashioned Black Raspberry Crisp

1 hour
|
A fork taking a piece from a slice of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

5 hours 50 minutes
| | | |

44 Comments

  2. I don’t have a favourite but I will be trying these honey garlic chicken legs and I have a feeling that these may become a family favourite.

    Reply

  3. Chicken is definitely our favourite meat to cook with because everyone in the house enjoys it. Some of our favourite recipes are chicken alfredo, chicken stir fry and butter chicken.

    Reply

  8. I don’t have a slow cooker yet but the Slow Cooker Chicken Al Pastor Tacos seems amazing

    Reply

  20. We love making bbq chicken in the slowcooker, we pull it apart when it’s done and make chicken subs with it.

    Reply

  22. I would Love to try making of My Jerk Chicken in the Instapot! I hear everyone Singing The praises. I need to get on the train. Thanks foe the chance. So many things I would be excited to make!

    Reply

    1. with the honey garlic chicken do u broil it first to get a bit of it crunchy? usually when. I put chicken. in crock pot it has a tendency to fet soggy.

      Reply

  27. I love making easy chicken cacciatore. Throw chicken (of any kind) with chopped veggies and marinara sauce all together let slow cook and serve over pasta or rice.

    Reply

  32. My favourite slow cooker chicken recipe would have to be chicken stew with dumpling…..comfort food at its best!

    Reply

  33. I need a slow cooker so I can make Thai-Style Sweet Chili Chicken. I wonder if I could adapt to my Instant pot.. hmm.

    Reply
4.58 from 112 votes (112 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating