Glazed Slow Cooker Drumsticks (Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks)

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There’s something about a Crock Pot recipe that just makes life easier, especially when it involves tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone slow cooker drumsticks. These chicken drumsticks are coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that makes them irresistible (just make sure you have extra napkins!)

I usually whip these slow cooker drumsticks out during the hot summer days when I don’t have time to grill and I don’t want to heat up the entire house with my oven. It’s the kind of effortless meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with a house that smells amazing and a dinner everyone loves.

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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Set it and forget it

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here—just season, glaze, and let it work its magic. No hovering over the stove required!

No artificial ingredients

This recipe skips the bottled sauces and mystery ingredients. Just real, simple pantry staples that come together for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Perfect for busy nights

Whether you’re juggling kids’ activities, work, or just don’t feel like cooking (we’ve all been there), these drumsticks make dinnertime effortless. Serve them up with whatever sides you have on hand, and you’re good to go!

Ingredient List

Chicken drumsticks

Budget-friendly and packed with flavor, drumsticks stay juicy and tender when slow-cooked. Plus, they’re fun to eat (just don’t forget the napkins!).

Garlic powder & onion powder

These pantry staples add a rich, savory backbone to the seasoning without the extra prep of chopping fresh garlic and onions.

Smoked paprika

Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine, or you can add a pinch of chili powder for a bit of heat.

Salt & black pepper

The foundation of any good seasoning blend, helping to enhance all the other flavors.

Apricot preserves

This is what gives the glaze its signature sticky sweetness. Apricot preserves are my go-to, but peach or orange marmalade work just as well for a slightly different fruit-forward twist.

Soy sauce

Adds a savory, umami depth that balances out the sweetness of the glaze. If you need a soy-free option, coconut aminos or tamari are great substitutes.

Apple cider vinegar 

A splash of acidity brightens up the glaze and keeps it from being overly sweet. White vinegar or even lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Dijon mustard

Just a little bit goes a long way in adding complexity and rounding out the flavors. If you don’t have Dijon, whole grain mustard or even yellow mustard can work, though they’ll slightly change the flavor profile.

Tools and Equipment

Slow Cooker

I use my 6 quart Crock Pot for this recipe, but an 8 quart would work well too! I have even doubled this recipe, to feed a crowd, using my Instant Pot as a slow cooker and it was delicious. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Drumsticks

In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the drumsticks, making sure to coat all sides. If you have a few extra minutes, rubbing the seasoning in with your hands helps it absorb better.

If you have time, you can season the drumsticks in advance and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight). This lets the flavors soak in for even more delicious results!

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In another small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. The preserves will break down more as they cook, creating a thick and sticky glaze.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned drumsticks in a slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. If your slow cooker is smaller and you need to stack them slightly, try to position them so the glaze can still reach each piece.

Pour the prepared glaze over the drumsticks, making sure each one gets coated. You can use a spoon or tongs to move them around a bit so the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies.

If you want extra sauce for drizzling or dipping later, you can save a small amount of the glaze to use for dipping sauce.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow (or Fast on High!)

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the drumsticks are tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Cooking on low gives the best, most fall-off-the-bone texture, but high works well if you’re short on time.

Tip: Avoid opening the lid too often—each time you do, heat escapes, which can slow down cooking time!

Step 6: (Optional) Broil for a Sticky, Caramelized Finish

If you love a slightly crispy, caramelized glaze (and trust me, it’s worth it!), transfer the drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them with some of the extra glaze from the slow cooker and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until they start to bubble and slightly char. Keep a close eye on them while broiling—sugary glazes can go from perfectly caramelized to burned in seconds!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your drumsticks and drizzle with any extra glaze from the slow cooker. If you want to add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Pair with rice, roasted veggies, a simple green salad, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal. And don’t forget the napkins—these are gloriously sticky and messy in the best way!

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to keep them from getting soggy.

Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe