Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor further, consider patting the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel before placing them in the slow cooker. This can help the seasoning adhere more effectively to the skin. If you have extra time, you can also place the cooked drumsticks under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after they finish in the slow cooker; this crisps up the skin slightly and caramelizes the sugars in the barbecue sauce for a more intense, charred flavor finish.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking process, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking, which helps evaporate some of the excess liquid and concentrates the flavors.

Alternatively, transfer the liquid to a skillet and boil it over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired thickness. Always handle the hot liquid with care, and remember to keep a close eye on it so that the sugars do not burn during the reduction process.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce before pouring it over the chicken for a spicy kick.
• Honey Garlic Version: Substitute the barbecue sauce with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a sweet and savory glaze that provides a different flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave or oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the chicken from drying out. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours after cooking to maintain food safety standards.

Once cooled, place the container immediately into the refrigerator. Properly stored, the chicken will maintain its quality for up to three days. When ready to eat, ensure it is reheated thoroughly before serving, as this will help preserve the texture and flavor of the meat.

You can prepare the drumsticks by seasoning them ahead of time and keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, it is best to add the barbecue sauce only when you are ready to start the slow cooker to prevent the sauce from thinning out too much. This method allows you to save time on the day of cooking, making it an excellent strategy for planning ahead for busy evenings or when hosting guests.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks hot, straight from the slow cooker, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

They pair beautifully with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the rich, sweet, and savory profile of the barbecue sauce. The extra sauce in the slow cooker can be drizzled over the drumsticks or used as a dip for accompanying sides, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

For a more casual presentation, place the drumsticks on a large serving platter with the sauce pooled in a small side bowl. This allows guests to add as much or as little extra glaze as they prefer.

Ensure there are napkins provided, as the sticky nature of the sauce makes these a hands-on dining experience. If serving a larger crowd, consider pairing them with corn on the cob or a light pasta salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that highlights the deep flavors of the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Drumsticks

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

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken drumsticks
• 3 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 packet brown sugar bourbon seasoning
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken drumsticks into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the chopped green onions over the drumsticks, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar bourbon seasoning packet over the top of the chicken to ensure every piece is coated.
3. Pour the barbecue sauce over the seasoned drumsticks, making sure to cover all the pieces thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on high for 4 hours.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). Carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

850 mg

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