Slow Cooker Apricot Ginger Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find the sauce is not thick enough at the end of the cooking time, carefully remove the chicken to a serving platter and pour the remaining liquid into a small saucepan. Simmer the sauce over medium-high heat on the stovetop for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then drizzle it back over the chicken before serving.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the apricot soy mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

This provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the apricots and the savory notes of the soy sauce, adding another layer of complexity to the final dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Variations

• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add two tablespoons of chili garlic sauce to the apricot soy mixture before cooking to introduce a bold, spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
• Garlic Ginger Chicken: Incorporate four cloves of minced fresh garlic along with the ginger to add an extra layer of aromatic depth that complements the savory soy base beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container.

Properly stored, the cooked chicken will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain food safety standards.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place it into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process in the morning or early afternoon.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired. The glaze is quite rich, so pairing the chicken with a side of steamed white rice or a simple quinoa salad helps to balance the meal, as these grains will soak up any excess sauce remaining on the plate.

For a more substantial dinner, consider serving the chicken alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. The crispness of the vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the tender, glazed chicken.

Arrange the drumsticks on a large platter and pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top just before bringing them to the table for an impressive presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apricot Ginger Chicken Drumsticks

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

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 medium shallots, sliced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup apricot soy sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken drumsticks into the base of the slow cooker. Distribute the sliced shallots evenly over the chicken pieces.
2. Sprinkle the ground ginger over the chicken and shallots. Pour the apricot soy sauce mixture over everything, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the cooking time is complete, verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: soy, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

750 mg

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