Mango Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use chicken drumsticks that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If you have larger drumsticks, you may need to extend the cooking time by 30 minutes.

To make the sauce even more flavorful, add a clove of minced garlic or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the honey and soy.

If you prefer a thicker, more caramelized glaze, you can transfer the sauce to a saucepan and reduce it on the stovetop after the chicken is cooked.

Alternatively, remove the chicken and keep it warm, then mix a slurry of cornstarch and water into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH until thickened.

Variations

• Spicy Mango Habanero: Add 1-2 finely chopped habanero peppers or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the honey and soy for a fiery kick. The heat balances perfectly with the sweet mango.
• Pineapple Chicken: Replace the mango with 2 cups of pineapple chunks and add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice instead of part of the soy sauce. This creates a tropical, tangy version that pairs great with chicken.
• Garlic Ginger Glaze: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger with the honey and soy. This adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the mango.
• Sesame Soy Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to the sauce. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook as directed. You can also cook the full recipe and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Serving ideas

Serve the mango honey soy chicken drumsticks over steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

A side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad would round out the meal nicely. The dish also works well with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

For a family-style presentation, transfer the chicken and sauce to a large platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve with extra rice on the side. The vibrant colors of the mango and red pepper make it a beautiful centerpiece for any dinner table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Mango Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups ripe mango cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer or slightly overlapping if needed.
2. Scatter the mango cubes and diced red bell pepper over the chicken, spreading them evenly so they mingle with the meat.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the honey and soy sauce. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, mango, and pepper.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. After 4 hours, check the chicken: the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone.
6. If you prefer a thicker glaze, transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the slow cooker, then cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
7. Serve the chicken drumsticks over steamed basmati rice, spooning the mango, peppers, and sticky sauce over the top.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

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