Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Easy and delicious, taking around 6 hours to make and perfect for fall or winter gatherings, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks recipe is prepared using chicken drumsticks, garlic, hot sauce, chicken stock, and butter. This spicy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a flavorful dinner that can serve up to 4 people.

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Recipe Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp Tabasco sauce
3 tbsp Mexican-style hot sauce (such as Cholula or Tapatio)
½ cup chicken stock
100 g (3½ oz) butter, melted
1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) (for slow cooker only)
Semolina and sautéed spinach (or silverbeet), to serve

How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Prep Your Chicken: Start by placing the chicken drumsticks directly into the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly spaced for the best cooking results.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Tabasco sauce, Mexican-style hot sauce, chicken stock, melted butter, and cornflour until well combined.
Slow Cook the Drumsticks: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks, making sure they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for about 6 hours, or until the drumsticks are tender and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, plate the chicken drumsticks and serve with a side of semolina and sautéed spinach (or silverbeet) for a complete and delicious meal.

Recipe Tips

Add some kick: If you prefer extra heat, toss in a few extra dashes of hot sauce before serving. I love a good kick, especially when my friends visit for game night.
Make cleanup easy: Line your slow cooker with a liner to reduce mess and save yourself time on washing up. This trick has been a game-changer for me during busy weeks.
Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with water to thicken it up. Just make sure to stir thoroughly for a smooth texture.
Crisp the skin: For a bit of crunch, transfer the drumsticks to a broiler for 5 minutes after slow cooking. This method adds a nice finishing touch without much effort.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can swap out drumsticks for chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that thighs might cook faster, so start checking for tenderness around the 5-hour mark.

How do I store leftover buffalo chicken drumsticks?

Store the leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze the cooked drumsticks?

Yes, these drumsticks freeze well. Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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