Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
8-10 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional, for a bit of heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Drumsticks:

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the sauce adhere better.
Make the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using).
Assemble in Slow Cooker:

Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer, if possible.
Pour the honey soy sauce mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Optional Step - Thicken the Sauce:

If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, you can remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker once they are cooked and keep them warm.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve:

Once the sauce is ready, return the drumsticks to the slow cooker to coat them in the thickened sauce.
Transfer the drumsticks to a serving platter and drizzle with extra sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
For added flavor, consider a side of pickled cucumbers or an Asian-style slaw.