Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that’s full of bold garlic flavor. This easy dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy days—just toss everything into the slow cooker and come back to fall-off-the-bone chicken that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken legs (drumsticks)soy saucehoneygarlic (minced)ketchup or tomato pasteapple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)black peppercornsthinly sliced green onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (optional garnish)

directions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and black pepper.

Place chicken legs in the slow cooker in a single layer.

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Optional: To crisp the skin, place cooked legs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 5–6 hours on low or 2.5–3 hours on highOptional broiling: 5 minutesTotal time: 3–6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs or wings for a different cut.

Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.

Include sliced bell peppers or onions in the slow cooker.

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.Freeze cooked chicken (without garnish) for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken legs?

Yes, but thaw first for even cooking and better sauce absorption.

Is the sauce very sweet?

It’s balanced—sweet from honey, tangy from vinegar, and savory from soy and garlic.

Can I thicken the sauce?

Yes, transfer to a saucepan and simmer or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, basting occasionally.

Do I need to flip the chicken?

Not necessary, but you can once during cooking for even coating.

What sides go best?

Rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or stir-fried noodles are great options.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, especially if you prefer a less salty sauce.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No, but you can for deeper flavor if desired.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs are a flavorful, fuss-free meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With juicy meat, a rich garlic-honey glaze, and a hands-off cooking method, this dish is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.