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Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Drumsticks

These Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Drumsticks are tender, sticky, and coated in a rich sweet savory glaze made from cherry cola, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Slow cooked until fall off the bone tender, this easy family dinner is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Three glazed chicken drumsticks on mashed potatoes, served on a plate with bread and a drink on the side.
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds chicken drumsticks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup cherry cola
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Step 1: Season the Drumsticks - Place the chicken drumsticks on a tray or plate and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently rub the seasoning across the chicken so each piece is evenly coated.
  • Step 2: Sear the Chicken - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the drumsticks and sear them for several minutes until the skin becomes lightly browned. You do not need to cook them through here. The goal is simply to add color and deepen the flavor.
  • Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker - Once the drumsticks are browned, place them in the slow cooker in an even layer. They can overlap slightly but try to keep them fairly spread out so the sauce can coat everything.
  • Step 4: Make the Cherry Cola Sauce - In a mixing bowl whisk together the cherry cola, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Stir until everything is well combined and the cornstarch has fully dissolved.
  • Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the drumsticks in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated so every piece cooks in that flavorful mixture.
  • Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender - Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. During this time the chicken will become tender while the sauce slowly develops a rich flavor.
  • Step 7: Thicken the Glaze - During the last 30 minutes remove the lid from the slow cooker. Allowing the steam to escape helps the sauce reduce and thicken into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken. Before serving, spoon some of the sauce over the drumsticks for that beautiful sticky finish.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Honey instead of brown sugar: Honey can be used to add sweetness while giving the sauce a slightly different depth of flavor.
  • Boneless chicken thighs: These can replace drumsticks if preferred, though they may cook a bit faster.
  • Regular cola: If cherry cola is unavailable, standard cola can still create a delicious sweet glaze.

Variations

  • Spicy cherry cola drumsticks: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring a gentle heat to the sauce.
  • Broiled finish: Place the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes to create caramelized edges on the glaze.
  • Shredded chicken sandwiches: Shred the cooked chicken and pile it onto toasted buns with extra sauce.

Tips and Tricks

  • Sear for flavor: Browning the drumsticks before slow cooking adds extra depth and color that makes the finished dish even better.
  • Remove the lid near the end: Letting the sauce reduce during the final thirty minutes creates a thicker glaze.
  • Baste before serving: Spoon the sauce over the chicken just before serving so each drumstick shines with that sticky coating.
  • Arrange evenly: Try to spread the drumsticks across the slow cooker so each piece cooks evenly in the sauce.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with fluffy rice: The rice soaks up the sweet savory sauce beautifully.
  • Add roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots or green beans balance the richness of the chicken.
  • Pair with mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes are perfect for catching every drop of the glaze.
  • Include fresh coleslaw: The crisp texture and brightness contrast nicely with the sticky drumsticks.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for later: Place cooked drumsticks and sauce in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a covered skillet or microwave while spooning sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
  • Make ahead option: You can season and sear the drumsticks a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to slow cook.

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Servings: 6 servings
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