Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes and Green Beans Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the chicken drumsticks in a skillet over high heat for two minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a caramelized exterior that enhances the overall depth of the braising liquid. While not strictly necessary for this recipe, it is a great technique to employ if you have a few extra minutes and want to elevate the final result for a special occasion or dinner party.

If you find the cooking liquid is too thin at the end of the cycle, you can remove the chicken and vegetables carefully with a slotted spoon and stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to the remaining juices.

Turn the slow cooker to high for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Once thickened, return the chicken and vegetables to the pot just long enough to coat them thoroughly before serving immediately on warmed plates.

Variations

• Herb Roasted Variation: Add a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or a sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme to the slow cooker before cooking. This adds a fragrant, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and chicken.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the broth mixture before pouring it over the ingredients. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the butter.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot.

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 chicken and vegetables will remain safe to eat in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, ensure the dish is heated until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain quality and safety. Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and green beans often degrades significantly upon thawing, becoming overly soft and watery.

You can prepare the ingredients the night before by trimming the beans and halving the potatoes, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be measured and kept chilled until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker.

However, do not combine the raw chicken and vegetables with the liquid until you are ready to start the cooking process, as this can lead to uneven seasoning and potential food safety concerns if left too long.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the slow cooker for a rustic presentation, or transfer the contents to a large, warmed serving platter. Since the chicken, vegetables, and sauce are all contained in the pot, it makes for a very easy cleanup. Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or a simple dinner roll to help soak up the flavorful buttery broth that gathers at the bottom of the dish, which is arguably the best part of the meal.

For a more refined presentation, place two drumsticks on each plate and surround them with a generous portion of the green beans and potatoes. Drizzle a little of the accumulated cooking liquid over the top of the chicken and vegetables to add moisture and shine.

A light sprinkling of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper can add a touch of color and brightness to the plate, making the dish look as good as it tastes while highlighting the fresh components.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes and Green Beans

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

Ingredients

• 8 skinless chicken drumsticks
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the skinless chicken drumsticks in a ring around the base of the slow cooker insert. Add the green beans and baby potatoes into the center of the slow cooker, distributing them evenly over the chicken.
2. Sprinkle the seasoned salt and garlic powder evenly over the chicken, beans, and potatoes. Pour the melted butter and chicken broth over the top of the entire mixture to ensure everything is lightly coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while the vegetables are tender.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

650 mg

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