Craving a flavorful yet easy-to-make meal that transports you right to the tropics? My Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Drumsticks recipe is the perfect answer! Picture tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken slow-cooked in rich, spiced coconut milk—ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a family favorite. Now, let’s jump right into the kitchen and get started!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward slow-cooked perfection. For this recipe, the combination of coconut milk, spices, and chicken drumsticks creates a mouthwatering ensemble. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk : The creamy base of the dish, providing a smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 tsp dried basil : Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor, balancing the richness of the coconut milk.
- 2 Tbsp Sriracha : For a kick of heat and depth.
- 1 Tbsp garlic Thai chili paste : Boosts both the heat and the aromatic complexity.
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce : Brings a savory, umami touch.
- 1 cup of diced onion (yellow onion works best) : Gives a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- ½ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish : Perfect for freshness and zing.
- 3-4 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 10 drumsticks) : The star of the dish; drumsticks simmer to perfection in the flavorful sauce.
Required Kitchen Tools
Cooking in a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to prepare a meal with minimal effort. Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Slow Cooker : This is the main tool for the recipe. A 6-quart slow cooker will easily fit 10 chicken drumsticks and allow them to cook evenly in the coconut milk sauce.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons : Precision in measuring your ingredients—especially the soy sauce, Sriracha, and chili paste—ensures your dish tastes perfectly balanced.
- Sharp Knife : You’ll need this to dice the onions and chop the cilantro.
- Cutting Board : A stable surface for prepping your fresh herbs and onions.
- Tongs : Handy for safely adding and removing the chicken drumsticks from the slow cooker without damaging the meat.
- Paper Towels : Essential for removing the skin from the drumsticks, which allows the flavors from the sauce to fully infuse into the meat.
These simple tools will make the process effortless—allowing the dish to cook low and slow while you go about your day.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Time to turn those simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish. Follow these easy steps to prepare your Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Drumsticks:
1. Prepare the Sauce
In your slow cooker, combine the coconut milk , dried basil , Sriracha , garlic Thai chili paste , soy sauce , diced onions , and chopped cilantro . Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed. This fragrant mixture will form the rich sauce that your chicken will simmer in all day, soaking in tons of flavor.
2. Prep the Chicken Drumsticks
For this dish, we’ll remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks to allow the sauce to penetrate fully. Here’s a handy trick: use a double layer of paper towels to grip the skin on each drumstick. Gently pull the skin off—this method reduces mess and makes the process much easier.
3. Nestle the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the skin is removed, place the now-skinless chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker. Gently nestle them down into the coconut milk sauce so that the meat is in contact with all the wonderful flavors. Try to spread the drumsticks out evenly to ensure proper cooking.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW . Let the drumsticks cook for 6 to 8 hours , depending on the size of your chicken. By the end of this cooking process, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, and the chicken will be so tender it’ll easily fall off the bone.
Serving and Final Touches
After hours of slow cooking, your kitchen is now filled with the rich and enticing aroma of coconut, spices, and herbs. It’s time to plate up and add those finishing touches!
1. Serve Over Rice
For a complete meal, I love serving the tender chicken and flavorful sauce over a bed of steamed white rice . The rice absorbs that delicious coconut sauce perfectly, making each bite even more satisfying. You could also serve this dish with quinoa or cauliflower rice , depending on your preference.
2. Garnish with Extra Cilantro
Before serving, don’t forget to sprinkle on some freshly chopped cilantro . That extra garnish freshens up the dish and adds a beautiful pop of color. If you love spice, feel free to drizzle an extra bit of Sriracha or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top as well.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . The flavors will continue to meld, so the leftovers might taste even better the next day.
Freezing for Later
Another option is to freeze the cooked drumsticks and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months . To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Drumsticks that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. The creamy coconut milk, combined with spicy Sriracha, garlic chili, and fresh cilantro, makes this dish a standout. It’s the perfect no-fuss, flavorful dinner that you can set and forget, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy your day. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your success with friends and loved ones!