Easy Crockpot Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a slightly charred appearance, you can transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes after the slow cooking process is finished. Keep a close watch to prevent the sugars in the maple glaze from burning. This step adds a nice textural contrast to the otherwise tender, braised meat.

If you prefer a spicier profile, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the maple bourbon barbecue sauce before pouring it over the chicken.

This creates a sweet-and-spicy balance that complements the richness of the bourbon. Adjust the spice level gradually, tasting the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure the heat level is to your liking.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Glaze: Incorporate two tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the barbecue mixture. This adds a deep, smoky heat that cuts through the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a more complex and bold flavor profile for the chicken.
• Apple Cider Infusion: Replace half of the barbecue sauce with unfiltered apple cider and add two sprigs of fresh thyme. The acidity of the cider balances the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fruitier glaze that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out.

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge.

When storing, try to keep the drumsticks in a single layer if possible to maintain their shape and prevent the glaze from becoming too messy. The sauce can be stored alongside the chicken to keep it moist during reheating.

You can prepare the sauce and dice the onions up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the dish. While you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator and remove it about 30 minutes before turning the machine on to avoid a sudden temperature shock to the ceramic basin.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

They pair excellently with a side of creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness of the maple glaze. The sticky sauce is perfect for dipping, so consider serving extra sauce on the side if you have enough left over.

For a casual family meal, serve the drumsticks directly from the slow cooker on a warm setting if your appliance has one. Alternatively, arrange them on a large platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the bottom of the cooker over the top.

Provide plenty of napkins, as the sticky nature of the glaze is part of the experience, and ensure everyone has a fork or tongs for serving.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup maple bourbon barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken drumsticks in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker basin to ensure they cook evenly. Scatter the diced sweet onion over the top of the chicken pieces, ensuring they are distributed to provide flavor throughout the cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the chicken and onions. Pour the maple bourbon barbecue sauce over the entire mixture, making sure to coat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly so they braise in the flavorful liquid.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

750 mg

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