There’s something magical about tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich, caramelized flavors while keeping it incredibly juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & hands-off – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
✔ Flavor explosion – The perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of spice.
✔ Versatile – Great with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even in sandwiches.
✔ Meal prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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6-8 chicken legs (drumsticks) – skin-on for extra flavor
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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⅓ cup honey
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¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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3-4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp ketchup (or tomato paste)
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1 tbsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
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1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth)
For Garnish (Optional):
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
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Fresh parsley or cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
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Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up later).
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In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Rub the seasoning all over the chicken legs.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
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In another bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, sriracha, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
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Place the chicken legs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, making sure they’re well-coated.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4 (Optional): Crisp Up the Skin
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For extra texture, transfer the chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the skin is slightly crispy.
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Meanwhile, pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
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Drizzle the reduced sauce over the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
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Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
For extra crispy skin: Broil or air-fry the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Adjust sweetness: Use less honey or add a splash of lime juice for balance.
Spice it up: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Bone-in vs. boneless: Thighs work great too, but adjust cooking time (boneless cooks faster).
Sauce too thin? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
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With rice: Jasmine, basmati, or cauliflower rice soak up the sauce perfectly.
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Over noodles: Try with udon or soba for an Asian-inspired twist.
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With veggies: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans pair well.
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In a wrap: Shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with coleslaw.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✅ Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Freezer: Keeps well for up to 3 months (sauce may separate slightly when reheated).
✅ Reheat: Warm in the microwave, oven, or stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the honey garlic sauce caramelizes into a rich, sticky glaze. It’s a foolproof dish that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—no fancy techniques required!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at home.
Want to switch it up? Try adding ginger, pineapple juice, or a splash of bourbon for a fun twist!
Let me know if you’d like any modifications—I’d love to help customize this recipe for you!
