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Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Category: Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Weekdays

This dish features chicken drumsticks layered over fragrant orange slices, coated with a light seasoning of flour, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. A tangy marinade combines sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic, which slowly infuse the chicken during hours of gentle cooking. The result is tender, juicy meat with a bright, slightly spicy glaze complemented by optional sesame seeds and green onions for subtle texture and freshness. Letting the drumsticks rest before serving enhances their succulence and flavor, making it an easy yet impressive main dish.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:22:06 GMT
A bowl of chicken drumsticks with a lemon wedge on top. Save
A bowl of chicken drumsticks with a lemon wedge on top. | foodiffy.com

This crock pot chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and flavorful with minimal effort. The slow cooking ensures tender juicy chicken infused with sweet and tangy notes from the orange and chili sauce combination. You can set it and forget it while the crock pot does most of the work.

I first made this after grabbing some drumsticks late one day and it quickly became a family favorite because it is so effortless and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • Orange: sliced thinly for a fragrant citrus base make sure to use a fresh orange with firm skin
  • Chicken drumsticks: chosen fresh and preferably with the skin on for extra flavor and moisture
  • All purpose flour: to lightly coat the chicken this helps create a slight crust and thickens the sauce a bit
  • Lemon zest: provides a bright note enhancing the orange without overpowering
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: season the chicken well to bring out its natural flavors
  • Sweet chili sauce: brings a spicy sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly during cooking pick a brand with good quality ingredients if possible
  • Low sodium soy sauce: balances the sweetness and adds depth choose a soy sauce with a savory umami punch
  • Fresh lemon juice: for acidity to brighten and balance the dish
  • Garlic: minced fresh garlic is key for pungency and charm
  • Green onions and sesame seeds: for garnish add color texture and a subtle crunch if you have them on hand

Instructions

Build The Orange Base:
Layer the thinly sliced orange in a single even layer on the bottom of the crock pot. This creates a zesty foundation that steams the chicken gently during cooking.
Coat The Chicken:
In a bowl mix the flour lemon zest salt and pepper. Toss the chicken drumsticks in this mixture until evenly coated. This step helps give the skin a slight crust and thickens the cooking juices.
Arrange In The Crock Pot:
Place the coated chicken on top of the orange slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
Mix And Add The Marinade:
Combine sweet chili sauce soy sauce lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl mixing until smooth and well blended. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken making sure to coat each piece.
Cook Low And Slow:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The citrus and chili flavors mingle beautifully during this slow cooking process.
Rest And Garnish:
Uncover the crock pot and gently stir the chicken to coat it in the cooking liquid. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color and texture before serving.
A plate of chicken drumsticks with orange slices and sesame seeds.
A plate of chicken drumsticks with orange slices and sesame seeds. | foodiffy.com

This dish reminds me of casual family dinners where the aroma filled the house and everyone gathered around the crock pot eagerly waiting for the first bite.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating I recommend gently warming in a skillet over medium heat to refresh the skin’s texture and preserve the sauce’s flavor. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap chicken drumsticks for thighs if you prefer darker meat or want a richer flavor. Use honey or maple syrup instead of sweet chili sauce if you want a milder sweetness. Tamari can substitute soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Serving Ideas

Serve this with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. A side of stir fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complements the citrus and chili flavors nicely. For a lighter meal, serve over a fresh green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

A plate of chicken drumsticks with orange slices on top.
A plate of chicken drumsticks with orange slices on top. | foodiffy.com

This hearty crock pot dish brings effortless flavor and tender chicken to your table every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken is best for this method?

Chicken drumsticks work best as they stay moist during slow cooking and absorb flavors well.

→ Can I substitute the orange slices with other citrus?

Yes, lemon or lime slices can be used to add a different citrus brightness to the dish.

→ How long should the chicken cook for optimal tenderness?

Cooking on low for 4 to 5 hours ensures the chicken becomes tender without drying out.

→ Is it necessary to coat the chicken in flour before cooking?

The flour coating helps thicken the sauce slightly and allows the marinade to cling better to the chicken.

→ What garnish options complement the flavors?

Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh crunch and nutty notes to the finished dish.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Slow-cooked chicken drumsticks with orange, sweet chili, soy, and garlic, delivering tender, flavorful bites.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
300 mins
Overall Time
310 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Meal Prep

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings (8 to 10 drumsticks)

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Fruit

01 1 orange, thinly sliced

→ Poultry

02 8 to 10 chicken drumsticks, sufficient to cover the base of a 5.7 L slow cooker

→ Dry Ingredients

03 15 ml all-purpose flour
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sauces and Condiments

06 120 ml sweet chili sauce
07 45 ml low sodium soy sauce
08 7.5 ml fresh lemon juice

→ Aromatics

09 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Garnishes

10 Sliced green onions (optional)
11 Sesame seeds (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Arrange the thinly sliced orange in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Combine flour, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken drumsticks in this mixture to evenly coat them, then place the coated chicken in a single layer over the orange slices.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic until fully blended. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coverage by brushing it over the pieces.

Step 04

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 05

Remove the lid, stir gently, and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking enhances flavor absorption and tenderness.

Necessary Equipment

  • Slow cooker (minimum 5.7 L capacity)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Brush for applying marinade

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce); sesame seeds are a common allergen