Crock Pot Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

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These Crock Pot Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are an easy dinner that’s packed with sweet and tangy flavor! Chicken drumsticks cook low and slow in a simple maple mustard sauce made with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a few pantry staples.

The chicken comes out tender and juicy, and the sauce makes the most delicious sticky glaze. For an extra caramelized finish, pop the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

Since it’s finally fall I thought these were a great combination of fall flavors. Come September I want to flavor everything in maple and mustard. 😆

And the best part? There’s no searing, browning, or complicated prep required. Just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the crock pot do the work!

I love making drumsticks in the crock pot- they are so tender! Seriously the best way to cook a lot of drumsticks. Plus it’s an easy crowd favorite for my kids, my kids’ friends or an easy party recipe. We also love BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in the crock pot. So good!

Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• Easy prep: Everything goes straight into the crock pot.
• No searing required: One less step and one less pan to wash!
• Sweet and tangy: Maple syrup and mustard make the perfect combination.
• Family-friendly: Drumsticks are an inexpensive cut of chicken that kids tend to love.
• Great for busy nights: Get dinner started earlier in the day and let the crock pot handle the rest.
• Optional sticky finish: A quick broil caramelizes the glaze and gives the chicken that irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks: I use about 2½ to 3 pounds of chicken drumsticks, which is usually around 10–12 drumsticks. Bone-in chicken works especially well in the crock pot because it stays juicy while cooking. These are also on sale! When you see a great deal, stock up and freeze them.

Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It gives the glaze its delicious sweetness and helps create that sticky, caramelized finish.

Dijon mustard: Dijon adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Yellow mustard: A little yellow mustard adds another layer of classic mustard flavor and keeps the sauce from being too sweet.

Low-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce adds savory flavor and saltiness to balance the maple syrup. I prefer low-sodium so the finished sauce isn’t overly salty.

Apple cider vinegar: Just a tablespoon adds acidity and helps balance the sweet maple syrup.

Garlic powder: Adds savory garlic flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the glaze.

Smoked paprika: A little smoked paprika gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor.

Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all of the flavors together.

Crock Pot– I’m using my 7 quart Crock Pot for this recipe, but a 6 quart size is perfect.

How to Make Crock Pot Maple Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

1. Add the chicken to the crock pot.

Place the chicken drumsticks in the crock pot in a single layer if possible. You don’t need to brown or sear the chicken first.

2. Make the maple mustard sauce.

In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

The sauce should be smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Pour the maple mustard mixture over the drumsticks. Turn the chicken a few times to make sure each piece is coated with the sauce.

4. Cook.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

I recommend cooking these on LOW rather than HIGH for the best texture. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

5. Thicken the glaze.

The sauce will be thinner after cooking because of the juices released from the chicken.

If you’d like a thicker, sticky glaze, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan.

Bring the sauce to a simmer.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.

6. Brush with the glaze.

Place the cooked chicken drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with the thickened maple mustard glaze.

7. Broil for a sticky finish.

Place the chicken under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

The broiling step is optional, but I highly recommend it! It gives the chicken that gorgeous sticky, glazed finish.

Do I Have to Broil the Chicken?

No! The chicken is completely delicious straight from the crock pot.

However, the quick broil gives the maple mustard glaze a caramelized, sticky texture and makes the drumsticks look beautiful. If you’re serving these for company, I definitely recommend taking the extra few minutes.

Watch the chicken closely under the broiler because the maple syrup can brown quickly.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs would work well with this recipe.

Keep in mind that cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken?

You can, although I prefer bone-in drumsticks for this recipe.

If using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, you’ll want to watch the cooking time carefully because boneless chicken can become dry if overcooked.

Tips for Making the Best Maple Mustard Chicken

Don’t skip the Dijon. The tanginess of Dijon mustard balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Use LOW heat. Chicken drumsticks are forgiving, but cooking them on LOW helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Don’t add extra maple syrup at the end. If you want a sweeter, thicker glaze, reduce and thicken the cooking liquid instead. Adding additional maple syrup right before broiling can cause the glaze to burn quickly.

Watch the broiler! Maple syrup contains sugar and can caramelize very quickly. Keep a close eye on the chicken.

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach at least 165°F internally.

What to Serve with Maple Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks go with just about any of your favorite easy side dishes.

Try serving them with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Baked potatoes
• Green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Rice
• Buttered noodles
• Simple side salad
• Roasted broccoli

For an easy weeknight dinner, I love serving these with mashed potatoes and green beans.

How to Store Leftover Chicken

Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated through.

The leftover chicken can also be removed from the bones and used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

Can I Freeze Maple Mustard Chicken?

Yes! Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot. You can make a fresh batch of the maple mustard glaze to brush over the chicken before reheating if you want to bring back that sticky, glazed finish.

Recipe Variations

Make it a little spicier

Add ¼–½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Add more smoky flavor

Increase the smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon.

Use honey instead of maple syrup

Honey can be substituted for the maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still make a delicious glaze.

Add fresh garlic

If you prefer fresh garlic, substitute 2–3 minced garlic cloves for the garlic powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw chicken directly in the crock pot?

Yes. There’s no need to sear the chicken first for this recipe. The chicken cooks completely in the crock pot.

How long do chicken drumsticks take in the crock pot?

These chicken drumsticks take approximately 4–5 hours on LOW, depending on their size and your crock pot. Always check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached at least 165°F.

Why is my crock pot sauce thin?

Chicken releases juices as it cooks, which can thin out the sauce. If you want a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this recipe without the broiler?

Absolutely! The broiling step is optional. The chicken will still be delicious right out of the crock pot.

Is maple mustard chicken sweet?

The maple syrup adds sweetness, but the Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar balance it with plenty of tangy and savory flavor.

More Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

If you love easy crock pot dinners, try:

• Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken
• Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Crock Pot Nashville Chicken
• Crock Pot Chicken Piccata
• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Pasta
• Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Orzo soup

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