Slow Cooker Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth to the flavor profile, lightly sauté the onions and peppers in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker, although this is optional. For a more intense garlic flavor, consider adding an extra half teaspoon of minced garlic.

Since slow cooking can sometimes mute certain spices, ensure your paprika is fresh and vibrant to maintain the intended flavor profile throughout the cooking process.

If the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, carefully remove the chicken to a platter and whisk a small amount of cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce bubble for 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Return the chicken to the pot just long enough to warm it through before serving.

Variations

• Zesty Lemon Peri Peri: Add the zest and juice of one fresh lemon to the peri peri sauce before pouring it over the chicken. The added brightness cuts through the richness of the sauce and complements the spice perfectly.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Increase the volume of vegetables by adding sliced zucchini or carrots. These vegetables hold up well to the long, slow cooking time and soak up the spicy sauce, adding extra texture and variety.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container 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 a microwave or on the stovetop until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.

When storing, keep the chicken and the sauce together to prevent the meat from drying out. This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two.

This dish is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the ingredients and keep them in the refrigerator, but it is best to assemble them in the slow cooker just before cooking to ensure maximum freshness.

If the chicken is cooked in advance, simply reheat it gently when ready to serve. The flavors will be well-developed, making it an even better option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Serving ideas

Serve these peri peri drumsticks hot, straight from the slow cooker. They pair beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful, spicy sauce.

A fresh green salad or some steamed green beans can provide a nice, crisp contrast to the rich, tender chicken and the bold, tangy sauce, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner for the whole family.

For a more rustic presentation, serve the chicken in a large bowl with plenty of the braising sauce spooned over the top. Provide extra napkins, as these drumsticks are best enjoyed by hand. If a lighter side is preferred, consider serving with a side of roasted potatoes or a piece of crusty bread to ensure not a single drop of the delicious peri peri sauce goes to waste.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Peri Peri Chicken Drumsticks

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

Ingredients

• 8 skinless bone-in chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup peri peri sauce

Instructions

1. Arrange the skinless bone-in chicken drumsticks in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the sliced red bell peppers and sliced yellow onions on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the paprika and minced garlic evenly over the vegetables and chicken.
2. Pour the peri peri sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the drumstick.
3. Turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Allow the chicken to rest inside the cooker for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender texture for every bite.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

450 mg

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