Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks
Try this Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 41.184662544491 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 8.99450625 g
- Fiber 2.47362502837176 g
- Protein 3.66790625016198 g
- Saturated Fat 1.26455 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1492g)
- Sodium 7.82500000416324 mg
- Sugar 38.7110375161192 g
- Trans Fat 0.409341875000001 g
- Calories 241 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large slow cooker, whisk to combine soy sauce, honey, water, cornstarch, garlic and ginger.
- Preheat large non-stick skillet on low - medium heat and add chicken. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes per side, turning once.
- I first dipped the drumsticks in the previously prepared mixture in a slow cooker, therefore it caramelized and charred a bit. It's optional though.
- Transfer chicken to a slow cooker, cover and shake it around to coat the chicken in mixture.
- Cook on Low for 6 - 8 hours or on High for 3 hours.
- When chicken is ready, turn off the slow cooker, open the lid and wait for 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken as steam evaporates.
- Using tongs or spatula, gently move the drumsticks around to coat in the sauce.
- Because you might be cooking for different lengths of time therefore accumulated liquid in the slow cooker will differ. I cooked on High for 3 hours and added 3.5 tbsp cornstarch in the beginning, and another tbsp afterwards.
- You can always adjust the thickness of the Teriyaki sauce by adding a bit more cornstarch and cooking it on High covered for 10 minutes or so.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit water.
- Serve chicken hot with brown rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be efficient, delicious, and ideally, something I can mostly set and forget. That's why my slow cooker has become my absolute best friend. This Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a perfect example of how to achieve amazing flavor with minimal effort. Forget takeout – this recipe is healthier, cheaper, and frankly, tastes way better!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade is quick to whip up, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. The result? Perfectly tender, juicy chicken drumsticks glazed in a rich, subtly sweet teriyaki sauce. I love how the caramelization from the initial pan-sear adds a delightful depth of flavor, creating a beautiful contrast to the tender slow-cooked meat. Even my picky eaters gobble this up!
I often make a double batch on Sundays, storing half for quick lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and is just as satisfying cold as it is warm. I've even been known to shred the chicken and use it in salads or tacos for a fun twist. The possibilities are truly endless!
Adapting the Recipe to Your Needs
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. For instance, if you're watching your sodium intake, you could reduce the amount of soy sauce or use a low-sodium alternative. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
The cooking time is also adaptable. If you're short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for a shorter period. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't dry out. Conversely, if you prefer an even more tender result, you can cook it on low for a longer duration. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities for serving this delicious teriyaki chicken are endless! I usually serve it over a bed of fluffy brown rice, but it's equally delicious with quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
I've also experimented with serving this chicken in lettuce wraps for a lighter, more refreshing meal. It's perfect for a summer lunch or a healthy weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and adds a delightful contrast in textures.
More Than Just Dinner
This recipe is more than just a simple weeknight dinner; it's a versatile ingredient that can elevate various meals. The leftover chicken can be incorporated into stir-fries, added to noodle bowls, or even used as a filling for quesadillas. Its versatility makes it a staple in my meal prepping routine, allowing me to enjoy delicious and healthy meals throughout the week without spending hours in the kitchen each night.
The convenience and adaptability of this recipe have made it a firm favorite in my household. It's a testament to the power of slow cooking – delivering delicious, healthy meals without sacrificing precious time. So, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I'm sure this Clean Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, too.
