Apricot Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, brown the chicken drumsticks in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a deeper, more caramelized note to the final dish, but it's optional and adds about 5 minutes of prep time.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes more.

Variations

• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced fresh chili to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
• Garlic Lover's Version: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker with the onion. Garlic pairs beautifully with apricot and soy, adding a savory depth.
• Orange Ginger Twist: Replace the apricot preserves with orange marmalade and add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Balsamic Glaze Finish: After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and stir 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar into the sauce. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened, then pour over the chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken slightly when cold.

Freezer

Freeze cooked drumsticks and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave, until hot throughout. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain the sauce's consistency.

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The sauce will thicken as it cools; reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if needed.

You can assemble the entire dish the night before: place the chicken in the slow cooker, top with preserves, onion, honey, and soy sauce, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, just set the slow cooker to low and cook as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the drumsticks over steamed basmati rice to soak up the sticky sauce. The rice provides a neutral, fluffy base that balances the sweet and savory glaze.

You can also add a side of roasted green beans or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

For a more casual presentation, serve the drumsticks on a platter with the sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds for color (though not in the video, these are optional).

This dish is also great for picnics or potlucks — it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Apricot Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 medium Vidalia onion, diced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• steamed basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer, arranging them in a circle around the bottom of the pot. They can overlap slightly, but try to keep them as even as possible for even cooking.
2. Spoon the apricot preserves over the chicken drumsticks, spreading them as evenly as possible. The preserves will melt during cooking, creating a sweet glaze.
3. Scatter the diced Vidalia onion over the top of the chicken and preserves. The onion will soften and sweeten as it cooks, adding depth to the sauce.
4. Drizzle the honey and soy sauce over the chicken, onion, and preserves. Do not stir — the layers will meld together as they cook.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The sauce will reduce and become sticky as the chicken releases its juices.
6. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a drumstick with an instant-read thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) for safe poultry.
7. Spoon the glazed chicken drumsticks and sticky apricot-onion ribbons over steamed basmati rice. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

22 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.