Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. The sweet and smoky peach BBQ glaze coats tender drumsticks cooked low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone delicious. It’s perfect for busy days when you want flavorful comfort food without fussing over the stove.

What I love most about this recipe is how the slow cooker transforms humble chicken drumsticks into something incredibly juicy and packed with bold flavor. Plus, the peach preserves add a subtle fruity sweetness that balances the heat from fresh jalapeños beautifully. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe works together to build layers of flavor and texture that complement the chicken perfectly. When shopping, try to pick a BBQ sauce you really love since it’s a star player in the glaze.

• Chicken drumsticks: I prefer bone-in for juicy meat and rich flavor but feel free to use skin-on for extra crispiness.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a light coating that locks in seasoning and thickens the glaze slightly.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip or skimp here.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the seasoning.
• Garlic powder: Essential for a savory depth without overpowering the dish.
• Chili powder: Brings mild heat and smokiness to complement the peach glaze.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and a slight crunch.
• BBQ sauce: Your favorite kind—sweet, smoky, or spicy—choose what you prefer.
• Peach preserves: This adds that signature fruity sweetness that sets this glaze apart.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
• Fresh jalapeños: Finely diced for a little heat and fresh pepper flavor; remove seeds if you want it milder.

Variations

I love how this Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe is a versatile canvas—you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to play around with the glaze or seasoning to make it your own.

• Spicy Twist: Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the glaze for a fiery kick—I like this version when I’m craving something bold.
• Smoky Flavor: Swap the chili powder for smoked paprika to amp up the smoky notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without losing umami.
• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Replace peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves for a different fruity spin—fresh summer vibes!
• Oven Finish: For a crispier skin, after slow cooking, broil the drumsticks for a few minutes until caramelized and crisp.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Season the Drumsticks

First, line your slow cooker with a liner for easy cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Place the chicken drumsticks inside and sprinkle evenly with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Gently toss them together right in the slow cooker—make sure each drumstick is evenly coated with that delicious seasoning blend. This step is key because the cornstarch helps the glaze stick later and creates a nice texture.

Step 2: Mix the Peach BBQ Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce, peach preserves, soy sauce, and fresh diced jalapeños until smooth. I like to taste the glaze at this point to balance sweetness and heat—more peach preserves for sweetness, more jalapeño for spice. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece gets a generous coating of that irresistible sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and either cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken will be incredibly tender when it’s done—test it with a fork, and it should fall off the bone with ease. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it extends cooking time. Slow cooking is perfectly forgiving here; just keep an eye on texture rather than time alone.

Step 4: Optional Broil for Caramelization

If you love crispy skin like I do, preheat your oven broiler to low while the chicken finishes slow cooking. Transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly. This extra step takes the glaze from great to unforgettable.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that balances the richness. Serve hot and enjoy every juicy, tangy bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish these drumsticks with a heap of thinly sliced green onions—they add just the right crunch and a bit of brightness that cuts through the sweet glaze. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little nutty flair or some fresh cilantro if I want an herbal note.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob for a classic combo. For something lighter, a crisp coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad pairs wonderfully to brighten those rich flavors. Don’t overlook roasted veggies or a tangy black bean salad if you want something with texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or party, I like arranging the chicken drumsticks on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce or kale leaves, then drizzle a little extra glaze on top. Serve with small bowls of extra peach BBQ sauce for dipping. It’s great finger food and looks so inviting. Another fun idea is to skewer the drumsticks with grilled pineapple chunks for a tropical twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the glaze on the chicken to preserve moister texture and flavor. When ready to eat, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked drumsticks in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. I usually portion them out so I can thaw only what I need. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture intact—this has saved me on busy days more times than I can count.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping the drumsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the glaze is bubbling again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the plate to avoid drying out. Giving them another quick broil (if you have time) will bring back that lovely caramelized finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Drummies with Peach BBQ Glaze Recipe is one of those easy recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that feels special. The blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors alongside tender, juicy chicken hits every comfort food note just right. I hope giving this recipe a go brings you as much joy as it’s brought me—let me know how it turns out, and don’t be afraid to add your own spin!

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