Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs are a fuss-free, flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy days. With tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken legs (drumsticks)honeysoy saucesesame oilsaltpeppergarlic (minced)ginger (optional)onion (sliced)cornstarch (for thickening)sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
directions
Place the chicken legs in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using).
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken legs, making sure they’re well coated.
Add sliced onions on top for extra flavor.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove some of the cooking liquid, stir in cornstarch, and heat in a saucepan until thickened, then pour back over the chicken.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)Optional thickening and garnish: 10 minutesTotal time: 3-7 hours 10 minutes depending on setting
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a different cut.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang.
Include vegetables like carrots or bell peppers in the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique twist.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking and safety.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken legs?
Great options include rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or noodles.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Not necessary, but browning can add extra flavor if desired.
How do I know the chicken is done?
It should be very tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and cooking time may slightly increase.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely, the sweet and savory flavors are a hit with kids.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, it’s a great option to control saltiness.
Can I prepare the night before?
Yes, prep ingredients and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to adjust the flavors with herbs or your favorite spice blends.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs offer a hands-off, delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With its irresistible sauce and juicy texture, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal planning rotation. Perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s comfort food made easy.
PrintSlow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious and easy slow cooker honey garlic chicken legs recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place the chicken legs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, basil, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken legs, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until thickened.
- Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken legs for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken legs
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *