Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the chicken drumsticks in a hot skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a caramelized layer to the skin, which enhances the overall texture and appearance of the final dish.

While this requires an extra pan, the depth of flavor it contributes is noticeable and highly recommended if you have the additional time to spare.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and potatoes once they are cooked and transfer the remaining liquid to a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Let it thicken for a few minutes before drizzling it back over the chicken and potatoes. This creates a more refined, restaurant-style glaze that clings beautifully to the ingredients.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Version: Add four cloves of minced garlic and a half-cup of grated parmesan cheese to the lemon butter mixture. The parmesan will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and savory coating for the chicken and potatoes.
• Spicy Lemon Herb: Incorporate one tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the herb seasoning mix before cooking. This adds a subtle, warming heat that balances the richness of the butter and the brightness of the lemon.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed, freezer-safe container.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave or oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the chicken and potatoes have cooled for no more than two hours after cooking before placing them in the fridge to maintain quality and safety.

Properly stored, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly until steaming hot throughout before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.

You can prepare the chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker insert vessel the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply remove the insert from the fridge and place it directly into the slow cooker base. Note that you may need to add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold starting temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion includes a generous helping of the lemon herb butter sauce. The sauce is excellent for drizzling over the potatoes or dipping crusty bread into.

Present the dish on a large platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs if available, to provide a bright contrast to the golden color of the chicken and potatoes.

Complement this meal with a side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the butter sauce. The simplicity of the dish allows it to pair well with almost any side, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Encourage guests to enjoy the tender meat and potatoes while warm, as the sauce is at its most flavorful when it has just finished simmering.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Butter Chicken Drumsticks

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

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 lb baby yellow potatoes, halved
• 1 packet herb seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup melted lemon butter

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken drumsticks into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the halved baby yellow potatoes evenly around the chicken pieces.
2. Sprinkle the entire contents of the herb seasoning packet over the chicken and potatoes. Pour the melted lemon butter evenly over the top of the ingredients to coat them well.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

650 mg

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