Slow-Cooker Mandarin Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, choose chicken drumsticks that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If you have particularly large drumsticks, you may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time.

To make the sauce extra thick, remove the chicken after cooking and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ginger. The leftovers are just as good the next day—the flavors continue to meld.

Variations

• Spicy Chipotle Bourbon Chicken: Add 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the ginger for a smoky, spicy kick. Reduce the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons to balance the heat. The chipotle adds depth and a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the bourbon.
• Honey Citrus Chicken: Replace the bourbon BBQ glaze with a honey barbecue sauce and add the zest of one orange. The honey will create a slightly lighter, floral sweetness that complements the mandarin oranges. Use fresh orange zest for a brighter citrus note.
• Soy-Ginger Glazed Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil with the bourbon glaze. This adds an umami richness and a nutty aroma. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Swap the mandarin oranges for a can of pineapple chunks, drained. The pineapple's tropical sweetness pairs beautifully with the bourbon. Add a 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice for extra warmth. Cook as directed; the pineapple will soften and infuse the sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To reheat in the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it.

This recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Place the chicken, oranges, ginger, glaze, and brown sugar in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the insert into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If starting from cold, you may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken drumsticks hot, with a generous spoonful of the bourbon-mandarin sauce over the top. The dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sweet and savory glaze.

For a complete meal, add a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness. Garnish with a few fresh mandarin segments or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color, if desired.

The chicken is also wonderful over steamed jasmine rice or buttered egg noodles. The sauce is the star—be sure to serve extra on the side for dipping. For a casual dinner, bring the slow cooker to the table and let everyone help themselves.

This dish is hearty enough for a family meal but impressive enough for guests. Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of sweet tea for a true Southern-inspired feast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Mandarin Bourbon Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ glaze
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert, arranging them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed. They should fit snugly in the bottom of the pot.
2. Scatter the drained mandarin orange segments over the chicken. Sprinkle the grated fresh ginger evenly over the top.
3. Pour the bourbon BBQ glaze over the chicken and oranges. Sprinkle the dark brown sugar evenly over the top.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Do not open the lid during cooking unless necessary.
5. After 4 hours, check the chicken. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the drumstick, not touching bone.
6. Carefully transfer the chicken drumsticks to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the warm bourbon-mandarin glaze over the top. Serve immediately, with the sauce spooned over the chicken and any remaining glaze on the side.

Contains: milk, gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

640

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

32 g

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