Everyone loves a great Crock-Pot or slow cooker recipe, and when it’s cheap and easy, even better. These slow cooker Thai sweet chili chicken drumsticks are simple to make and have been a hit with my family.
Chicken drumsticks are like wings in flavor flexibility and convenience — you can season them many ways and serve with a dipping sauce. Drumsticks are also budget-friendly; a Costco pack can provide multiple meals for very little cost.
The key to tender, flavorful drumsticks is long, slow cooking to render fat and soften the meat. The Crock-Pot does this well. After several hours in the slow cooker the drumsticks are tender, then a short time under the broiler crisps the skin and adds a pleasant char.
If you prefer, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work equally well in this recipe.
Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
You can buy Thai sweet chili sauce at many grocery stores or make your own so you can control the heat. Store-bought sauce works well and saves time.
This version is adapted from The Asian Slow Cooker by Kelly Kwok.
Marinating the Chicken
Pat 8 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. You can increase to 10–12 if desired; there will be enough marinade and sauce. Whisk the marinade ingredients together, place the drumsticks and marinade in a sealed plastic bag or a covered glass bowl, and massage so each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
If you prefer not to use plastic, marinate in a glass container with a tight lid. I often mix the marinade and pour it over the chicken the night before so it can marinate overnight and go straight into the slow cooker the next day.
Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
Slow Cook 3–6 Hours
After marinating, remove the drumsticks from the marinade and smooth the skin back over the meat if it has shifted. Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker skin side up; it’s fine to stack them if needed. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. A slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier. While the chicken cooks, prepare the dipping sauce.
Brown Chicken Under the Broiler
When the drumsticks are fully cooked and tender (internal temperature about 180°F), transfer them to a broiler pan skin side up and broil for 2–5 minutes until browned and starting to char. The broiler crisps the skin and adds flavor that the slow cooker doesn’t provide.
Brush with Sauce and Garnish
Brush the browned drumsticks with a little extra sweet chili sauce so garnishes will stick. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro for color and texture. I keep toasted sesame seeds in the freezer to maintain freshness.
Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
Serve the drumsticks with the dipping sauce and steamed rice, plus stir-fried snow peas and carrots if you like. Because they’re handheld and flavorful, these drumsticks also make a great party or game-day dish.
I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe. If you try it, please leave a review.
More easy chicken drumstick and slow cooker recipes are available on the site if you want additional ideas.
Slow Cooker Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
Marsha Maxwell
Pin Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the drumsticks:
- 8–10 chicken drumsticks
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons hot chili oil or chili paste (optional)
- Additional sweet chili sauce for brushing
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
For the dipping sauce:
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- ¾ teaspoon crushed garlic (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot chili oil or chili paste (optional)
Instructions
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Rinse and dry the drumsticks. Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), grated ginger and hot chili oil or paste.
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Place the drumsticks in a large plastic bag or covered glass bowl and pour in the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
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Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, stretch the skin to cover the meat if needed, and place skin-side up in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
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While the chicken cooks, whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients and set aside.
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When the drumsticks are done, preheat the broiler. Transfer drumsticks to a broiler pan and broil until browned, 2–5 minutes depending on your broiler.
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Brush with additional sweet chili sauce, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, and serve with the dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Disclosures: The author was not compensated for this post. The post may contain affiliate links that help support recipe publishing.