Description
Savory slow cooker honey garlic chicken legs bring Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy chicken infused with sweet and tangy flavors will make dinner feel like a delightful culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) chicken legs (drumsticks)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic marinade by blending honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place chicken legs in the slow cooker, generously pouring the prepared marinade over the meat, making sure each piece is completely coated and immersed in the flavorful liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to gently simmer and absorb the rich flavors for approximately 5-6 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the chicken legs to a separate serving plate, reserving the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
- Create a smooth cornstarch mixture by whisking water and cornstarch together in a small bowl until no lumps remain.
- Pour the reserved cooking liquid into a saucepan and gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture, heating and stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Gently return the chicken legs to the enhanced sauce, delicately rotating each piece to ensure an even, luxurious coating.
- Present the dish by arranging the glazed chicken legs on a serving platter, elegantly garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Complement the dish with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken legs in honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking, allowing deeper taste penetration.
- Opt for bone-in chicken legs to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent drying out during extended cooking periods.
- Consider reducing honey amount for diabetic-friendly version or substituting with sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
- Enable crispy exterior by briefly broiling coated chicken legs for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, creating delightful caramelized edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg