Ingredients:

  • 8 large Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Legs
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Runny Honey
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cornflour (Cornstarch)
  • 1 Tbsp Cold Water

Instructions:

  1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Remove the chicken legs from their packaging and use paper towels to thoroughly pat the skin dry. This is crucial for texture.
  2. Combine Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken legs.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced fresh garlic.
  4. Load the Pot: Pour half of the balsamic glaze mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Arrange the seasoned chicken legs skin-side up into the pot, sitting atop the sauce.
  5. Drizzle and Cook: Pour the remaining glaze evenly over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 3.5–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender (minimum internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  6. Remove Chicken: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken legs to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
  7. Reduce the Sauce: Pour the liquid remaining in the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  8. Thicken: Whisk the cornflour and cold water together to form a smooth slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring gently until the sauce has thickened significantly. Remove from heat.
  9. Crisp the Skin (Highly Recommended): Preheat your oven's grill/broiler to high. Brush the chicken legs lightly with a spoonful of the thickened glaze. Place the chicken under the grill/broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully, until the skin is beautifully golden, crisp, and bubbling.
  10. Serve: Brush the remaining sticky glaze over the piping hot chicken legs just before serving.