Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a juicy, finger-licking chicken recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, you’ve got to try my Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. I absolutely love this dish because the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the raspberry glaze adds a surprising burst of sweet and tangy magic that I never get tired of. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully combined to build that delicious sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor profile. I always recommend using fresh chicken drumsticks from a trusted source and quality jams for the best results.

• Chicken drumsticks: Opt for drumsticks with skin on for moist, flavorful meat and a better glaze hold.
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize during broiling.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Paprika: Brings a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color.
• Garlic powder: A kitchen staple that boosts savory depth.
• Onion powder: Complements garlic and rounds out the seasoning blend.
• Ground mustard: Adds a gentle tang and complex spice to the seasoning.
• Cracked black pepper: Gives just the right hint of heat and bites back.
• Raspberry jam: Use a quality jam with whole fruit bits for texture and brightness.
• Dijon mustard: Essential for tang and balancing out the sweetness of the raspberry jam.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo (optional): If you like a smoky kick, this will up the flavor game big time.

Variations

I love that you can easily tweak this Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether it’s dialing up the heat or offering a milder version for kids, customization is a big win here.

• Spicy Variation: I sometimes double the chipotle peppers, and it adds a smoky depth that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Mild Option: If you’re serving little ones or prefer less heat, just leave out the chipotle peppers altogether—the glaze is still fantastic!
• Fresh Fruit Twist: Swap raspberry jam for blackberry or blueberry jam for a fruity spin that’s just as delicious.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you double-check your mustard and jam labels.

How to Make Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Seasoning and Chicken

Start by mixing all the seasoning ingredients directly into a slow cooker liner bag—this makes cleanup a breeze! Then, pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, which helps the seasoning stick better. Toss the drumsticks in the bag and shake them around until they’re nicely coated. Don’t worry if some spots aren’t fully covered; the slow cooker will work its magic during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Glaze

While the chicken is resting in the bag, mix together raspberry jam and Dijon mustard in a bowl. I like to add a little chopped chipotle pepper if I want some heat, but this is totally optional. Reserve about half a cup of this sauce for brushing on later—this step makes a huge difference in giving the drumsticks that glossy finish.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Broil to Finish

Place the bagged drumsticks into your slow cooker and drizzle over the remaining raspberry mixture. Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours. If you have some time mid-cook, flipping the drumsticks helps them cook more evenly and soak up that sauce. Once done, transfer the drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush on the reserved glaze, and broil for 3-6 minutes. Keep a close eye—they should become sticky and deeply glossy but not burnt. This finishing touch is what sends this dish from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the drumsticks for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I even add a few whole fresh raspberries on the side for a cute, fruity touch that surprises guests.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy quinoa salad that soaks up the extra sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans also work beautifully here, balancing the sweetness with some crunch and earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the drumsticks in a circle on a large platter with dollops of extra raspberry glaze in the center for dipping. Adding edible flowers or microgreens around the edges makes an elegant statement. Trust me, your guests will be impressed before they even take a bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the chicken and remaining sauce if possible to keep things fresh. They last about 3-4 days, and honestly, reheating them never disappoints.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags. This keeps the texture intact, and when you thaw and reheat, it tastes almost like freshly made.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a low oven (~300°F) covered with foil to keep the chicken moist, then finish with a quick broil to re-glaze the drumsticks if needed. Microwave works in a pinch but can soften the skin.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is a true keeper in my kitchen. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for those days when you want a comforting homemade meal without fuss. I found that the slow cooker lock-in flavor so well, and that final broil just adds that irresistible touch. Give it a shot—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite, and you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it!

Print