Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an even deeper, caramelized glaze on your chicken, you can transfer the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet after they finish in the slow cooker.

Brush them generously with some of the remaining sauce from the pot, then broil them in your oven for three to five minutes. Watch them closely so the sugars in the sauce do not burn. This extra step creates a wonderfully sticky, slightly charred exterior that mimics grilled chicken.

If you find that the sauce in the slow cooker is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can easily thicken it up.

Simply remove the chicken drumsticks and set them aside, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of cold water) directly into the hot sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional ten to fifteen minutes until the glaze bubbles and thickens to your liking.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Bacon Chicken: Stir two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the chicken for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Maple Bourbon Bacon Chicken: Add a splash of real maple syrup and a tablespoon of bourbon to the barbecue sauce mixture for a rich, deep, and complex flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping them coated in the leftover sauce.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through to 165°F (74°C).

Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place the drumsticks and any remaining bacon glaze into an airtight container.

Store the container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Keeping the chicken submerged in or coated with the leftover sauce will help keep it moist and flavorful during storage.

You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time to save precious minutes on busy mornings. Season the chicken drumsticks and place them in a storage container the night before.

You can also mix the barbecue sauce and cooked bacon bits together in a separate container. In the morning, simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over top, and turn it on.

Serving ideas

These sticky bacon glazed drumsticks pair beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes. Serve them alongside a scoop of creamy mac and cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob for a comforting, hearty meal. A crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken and bacon.

For a casual party or game day gathering, arrange the glazed drumsticks on a large platter and spoon the extra bacon-filled barbecue sauce from the slow cooker right over the top. Provide plenty of napkins, as these delicious drumsticks are best enjoyed with your hands. You can also sprinkle a few fresh chives or green onions on top for a pop of color.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp chicken seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken seasoning evenly over all sides of the drumsticks, ensuring they are completely coated for maximum flavor before placing them in the slow cooker.
2. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks into the bottom of the slow cooker crock. Arrange them in a relatively even layer so they cook consistently throughout the process.
3. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and the pre-cooked bacon bits until the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
4. Pour the barbecue bacon sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for four to five hours, or on high for two to three hours.
5. Carefully remove the slow cooker lid and use tongs to baste the drumsticks with the bubbling bacon barbecue sauce from the bottom of the pot, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest drumstick without touching the bone. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before turning off the slow cooker. Let the chicken rest for five minutes, then serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Contains: gluten, mustard, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

980 mg

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