Slow Cooker Honey Gochujang Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for up to two hours in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker. This allows the gochujang and garlic to penetrate the meat more deeply. If you choose to do this, simply pour the remaining sauce over the chicken once it is arranged in the slow cooker.

If you prefer a thicker, more caramelized glaze on the chicken, you can transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and place them under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Watch them closely so the honey does not burn. This step adds a beautiful charred finish that complements the slow-cooked tenderness of the meat perfectly.

Variations

• Spicy Gochujang Drumsticks: Add a tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat that balances the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
• Sesame Garlic Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the cooked drumsticks just before serving for added texture and a fresh, aromatic finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave on medium power until heated through, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until the sauce is bubbly and the meat is hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This prevents the growth of bacteria.

Stored properly, the chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain the moisture of the meat and prevent the sauce from drying out during storage.

You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be placed in the slow cooker with the sauce, covered, and refrigerated until you are ready to cook.

If you do this, ensure the chicken is cold when it goes into the slow cooker and increase the cook time by 30 minutes to account for the chilled temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks alongside a simple steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the richness of the sticky sauce. The gochujang adds a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with cooling side dishes.

Arrange the drumsticks on a large platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top for an attractive presentation.

For a complete meal, consider serving the chicken with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas. The crunchy texture of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the soft, tender meat.

If you have extra sauce, it can be served on the side as a dipping sauce for the rice or vegetables, ensuring none of that delicious honey and gochujang flavor goes to waste.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Gochujang Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces skinless chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup gochujang
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated into a thick, pourable consistency.
2. Arrange the skinless chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert. Place them in a spoke-like pattern to ensure even cooking. Pour the prepared gochujang honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Once cooked, lift the drumsticks carefully with a spoon and transfer them to a serving plate, drizzling with extra sauce from the insert.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

10.5 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

850 mg

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