Crock Pot Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks is an easy slow-cooker recipe that uses just six simple ingredients, including salt and pepper. Family-friendly and full of flavor, the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Crock Pot Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks
I first learned the idea behind this dish from a friend who made a maple-Dijon chicken in the oven. I adapted her approach for the slow cooker: I removed the skin from the drumsticks, adjusted the seasoning, and let the slow cooker do the work. The result was a hit with the whole family—kids and adults alike. I often serve these drumsticks alongside roasted or shredded Brussels sprouts and a simple grain or salad for a balanced meal.
More Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes:
- Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
- Slow Cooker Harrisa Chicken
- Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken
- Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad
Crock Pot Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks
This slow-cooker Maple Dijon drumstick recipe is simple to prepare and yields tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet-and-tangy glaze. It requires minimal hands-on time and is ideal for families or meal prep.
Total time: 4 hrs
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 2 drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 skinless drumsticks
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp garlic salt
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the drumsticks evenly with garlic salt and fresh cracked pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and combined.
- Pour the maple-Dijon mixture over the drumsticks, turning them gently so they are well coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- When done, remove the drumsticks and, if desired, spoon some of the cooking juices over the chicken before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 2 drumsticks • Calories: 355 kcal • Carbohydrates: 17.5 g • Protein: 47.5 g • Fat: 9 g • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g • Cholesterol: 218 mg • Sodium: 965 mg • Sugar: 12 g
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer crisp skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- For a deeper flavor, sear the drumsticks briefly in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a caramelized note.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more or less maple syrup to suit your taste. A splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can add complexity without changing the core flavors.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave portions on medium power until hot. If sauce has thickened in the fridge, loosen it with a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Slow Cooker Notes
Every slow cooker heats a little differently. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the chicken an hour earlier. Conversely, if it runs cool, it may need additional time. Using a meat thermometer is a reliable way to ensure chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
Last Step:
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