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To make Maple Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, you will need: - 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish) These ingredients combine to create a sweet and savory sauce that makes the chicken shine. If you want a gluten-free option for soy sauce, use coconut aminos. It has a similar taste but is made from coconut sap. This swap keeps the dish tasty while meeting gluten-free needs. You can also try tamari, which is another great soy sauce alternative. To elevate the flavor of your drumsticks, consider adding: - 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy note These options let you customize the glaze to match your taste. Experimenting can lead to delicious surprises! Start by making the glaze. In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead. Next, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This will add a nice tang. Crush and mince 2 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Now, add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices give depth to the flavor. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until it is well mixed. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Place 8 chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Pour the maple glaze over the drumsticks. Make sure they are all coated well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat for 4-6 hours. If you are in a hurry, set it to high heat for 2-3 hours. You will know the chicken is ready when it is tender and cooked all the way through. To ensure your drumsticks are super tender, don’t rush the cooking time. Low and slow is the way to go. If you want a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. This makes a slurry. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir this mixture into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce. When they are done cooking, carefully move the drumsticks to a plate. Drizzle any remaining glaze over them. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. This mixture is called a slurry. Add this slurry to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to mix it well. This will help the glaze become rich and sticky. When using a slow cooker, make sure to not overcrowd the chicken. Leave space for the heat to circulate. Trim any excess fat from the drumsticks for better cooking. Always cook on low heat for the best results. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety. Serve the drumsticks on a large platter. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for a beautiful finish. Pair your chicken with steamed broccoli or fluffy rice. Green onions make a great garnish for extra flavor. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can change the glaze for fun and new flavors. Try using honey instead of maple syrup. It gives a nice sweetness. You can also mix in orange juice for a bright twist. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili paste. Mixing in mustard adds a tangy note that pairs well with the chicken. Experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to change the taste. Each glaze will give your drumsticks a unique flavor. While the slow cooker is great, you can also bake or grill the drumsticks. If you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat the drumsticks with the glaze, then place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until they reach a nice golden color. For grilling, heat the grill to medium-high. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. This method gives a nice smoky flavor and crispy skin. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating. Adding vegetables makes the meal more balanced and tasty. Carrots and potatoes work well in the slow cooker. Simply chop them into chunks and place them with the drumsticks. They will soak up the maple glaze while cooking. You can also add bell peppers or onions. These veggies add color and flavor. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. This way, you get a full meal in one pot, making it easy and delicious. After your meal, let the drumsticks cool down. Place them in a clean, airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This will help you enjoy the flavors later. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap if you prefer. To reheat your drumsticks, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also use a microwave. Just cover the drumsticks with a damp paper towel. Heat them for 1-2 minutes. Check if they are warm enough and enjoy! If you want to save some drumsticks for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will cook well in the slow cooker. Thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They may take a bit longer to cook. Just ensure they reach the right internal temperature. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices should run clear, not pink. Maple glazed chicken goes well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad These sides balance the sweet glaze and add color to your plate. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! This blog post covered how to make maple glazed chicken drumsticks. We explored the main ingredients, substitutions, and optional flavors. You learned the step-by-step process, including cooking tips. We shared tricks for thickening the sauce and suggestions for serving. Variations let you customize the dish, and storage advice helps you save leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy your delicious meal and experiment with different flavors!

Maple Glazed Chicken Drumsticks (Slow Cooker)

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of maple glazed chicken drumsticks, a simple yet delicious recipe that will impress your family and friends! With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create tender, flavorful drumsticks that are perfect for any occasion. Want to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking your way to a mouthwatering meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

    Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the maple sauce over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.

      Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

        If you prefer a thicker glaze, combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate.

          Once cooked, carefully transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker.

            Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 6 hrs | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the drumsticks with a side of steamed broccoli or rice, placing them on a large platter and drizzling more of the glaze on top for a glossy finish.