Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Turkey Drumsticks with Glazed Carrots Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a slightly thicker glaze, remove the turkey drumsticks once they are cooked and set them aside. Turn the slow cooker to the high setting and leave the lid off for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce further until it reaches the desired consistency before spooning it over the plated meat.

If you prefer a more vibrant flavor profile, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

The acidity of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the turkey, providing a bright, refreshing finish that elevates the overall dish for a more sophisticated presentation.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Incorporate a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the sauce before pouring it over the turkey for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Herb-Roasted Garlic Version: Add four cloves of smashed garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the carrots. The garlic will soften during the cooking process and add a deep, aromatic flavor to the honey mustard sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze the cooked turkey in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the meat is heated through to at least 165°F (74°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps maintain the quality of the meat and prevents bacterial growth.

Store the drumsticks and the glazed carrots together in the refrigerator, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent the meat from drying out or absorbing other odors.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, then allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

When ready to serve, reheat the turkey and carrots gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey drumsticks hot, with a generous portion of the glazed carrots alongside.

The sauce is excellent when drizzled over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread, which helps soak up the remaining honey mustard glaze and ensures that none of the flavorful liquid goes to waste.

For a satisfying dinner, pair the turkey with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. The brightness of fresh greens complements the savory, sweet profile of the turkey, creating a dining experience that is both satisfying and visually appealing for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Turkey Drumsticks with Glazed Carrots

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

Ingredients

• 4 turkey drumsticks
• 3 cups sliced carrots
• 1 tbsp dried herbs
• 1 cup honey mustard sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey drumsticks into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced carrots around the turkey, ensuring they are evenly distributed to cook thoroughly in the juices.
2. Sprinkle the dried herbs evenly over the turkey and carrots. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the top, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are lightly coated with the liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the turkey to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

35.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

20.5 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

650 mg

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