Slow-Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken Drumsticks
From: EatingWell Magazine, M/J 2014 By: Carolyn Malcoun EatingWell Senior Food Editor
This slow-cooker chicken recipe makes a perfect alternative to standard tomato-based barbecued chicken. Both kids and adults will devour these drumsticks, doused in a honey-sweetened sauce spiked with orange, ginger and garlic.
Ingredients for 6 Servings
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
12 medium chicken drumsticks (3-3½ pounds), skin removed (see Tip)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Preparation
Active 45 minutes
Ready In 2 hours
Combine honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), garlic, ginger, vinegar and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.
Coat a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add drumsticks, pour in the sauce and mix to coat. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone, 2 to 3 hours on High or 4 hours on Low.
Transfer the drumsticks to a bowl. Very carefully pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a medium skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until reduced and syrupy, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks and stir to coat. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Equipment: 5- to 6-quart slow cooker
To remove the skin from chicken drumsticks, grip the skin from the meaty end of the drumstick with a paper towel and pull down toward the exposed bone until it comes off completely.
For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.
People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled "gluten-free," as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.
Nutrition information
Serving size: 2 drumsticks
Per serving: 252 calories; 7 g fat(2 g sat); 0 g fiber; 18 g carbohydrates; 29 g protein; 8 mcg folate; 150 mg cholesterol; 16 g sugars; 15 g added sugars; 91 IU vitamin A; 4 mg vitamin C; 30 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 416 mg sodium; 352 mg potassium
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 other carbohydrate, 6 lean meat