Peach Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality bourbon BBQ glaze that has a balance of sweet and smoky notes. If you want to make your own, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1 tablespoon of honey. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra depth.

To make this recipe even easier, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just place the insert in the slow cooker and turn it on. This is a great make-ahead option for busy days or when you want to come home to a ready-made dinner.

Variations

• Spicy Peach Bourbon: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick. The heat balances the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar.
• Honey Garlic Peach: Replace the bourbon BBQ glaze with a mixture of 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Omit the brown sugar and add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Substitute the peaches with 2 cups of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained). The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bourbon glaze.
• Peach Bourbon Chicken Thighs: Use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks. Reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on low, or until the thighs are tender and cooked through.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Leftover peach bourbon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

This dish can be prepared entirely in advance and reheated before serving. Cook the chicken as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To serve, reheat in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is hot and the sauce is bubbling. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

Serving ideas

Serve the peach bourbon chicken drumsticks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the luscious sauce.

A side of roasted green beans or a crisp green salad adds a fresh contrast to the sweet and smoky flavors. For a Southern-inspired meal, pair it with collard greens and cornbread.

For a lighter option, serve the chicken with steamed rice or quinoa and a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors.

The sauce is also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a dip for crusty bread. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Peach Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups sliced ripe peaches
• 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ glaze
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Pour the sliced peaches over the top, spreading them evenly among the drumsticks.
2. Drizzle the bourbon BBQ glaze over the chicken and peaches, using a spoon to coat the drumsticks as evenly as possible.
3. Sprinkle the dark brown sugar over the top of the glazed chicken and peaches. Do not stir; the sugar will melt and create a rich sauce during cooking.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone.
5. Using tongs, transfer the chicken drumsticks to a serving platter. Spoon the peaches and sauce over the top. Serve hot, with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Contains: milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

22 g

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