Crockpot Mandarin Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Growing up in the South, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen. This Crockpot Mandarin Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a family favorite that's as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty, flavorful dinner ready when you walk in the door. This dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, and it's sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, becoming tender and juicy while absorbing the sweet and savory flavors of the mandarin oranges, honey, and soy sauce. The result is a sticky, glaze-coated chicken that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. Plus, the vibrant colors of the mandarin oranges add a festive touch to the dish, making it a great option for holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Recipe

• The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that's bursting with flavor.
• The combination of mandarin oranges, honey, and soy sauce creates a sweet and savory glaze that's out of this world.
• This recipe requires minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
• The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Key Ingredients & Flavor Notes

This Crockpot Mandarin Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe is all about the combination of sweet and savory flavors. The mandarin oranges add a bright, citrusy note that balances out the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the honey. The soy sauce provides depth and umami, while the ginger adds a warm, aromatic kick. Together, these ingredients create a glaze that's sticky, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.

The chicken drumsticks are the star of the show, and slow-cooking them in the Crockpot ensures that they remain juicy and tender. The mandarin oranges are a nod to the classic sweet and savory combination of duck à l'orange, but with a twist that makes it more accessible and approachable. The honey and soy sauce glaze is inspired by classic Asian flavors, but with a Southern twist that makes it uniquely Pam Dishes.

Chef’s Tips for Foolproof Slow Cooking

To ensure that your chicken drumsticks come out perfectly tender and juicy, it's important to cook them on LOW for the full duration. This allows the meat to break down slowly and absorb all the flavors of the glaze. Resist the temptation to open the lid and peek, as this can release heat and moisture, leading to a longer cooking time.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the chicken drumsticks from the Crockpot and transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Cook it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency, then pour it back over the chicken before serving. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cornstarch to the liquid to help it thicken more quickly.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the bottom of your Crockpot, arranging them in a circle if possible.
2. Spoon the mandarin oranges over the chicken, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Sprinkle the grated ginger over the mandarin oranges.
4. Drizzle the honey and soy sauce evenly over the top of the chicken and oranges.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
6. Carefully remove the chicken drumsticks from the Crockpot and place them on a serving platter.
7. If desired, reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency, then spoon it over the chicken before serving.

What to Serve With It & Storage Tips

This Crockpot Mandarin Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, which helps to soak up the delicious glaze. You can also serve it with noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding some garlic bread or dinner rolls to the table.

To store leftovers, transfer the chicken and any remaining glaze to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question?

Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Answer.

Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check the chicken for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Question?

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Answer.

Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook the chicken on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, then use the natural release method. Keep in mind that the glaze may not reduce as much as it does in the Crockpot, so you may need to reduce it separately on the stovetop.

Question?

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks in this recipe?

Answer.

While you can use frozen chicken drumsticks, it's best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of flavors. Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.