In this easy-to-follow recipe, we’ll guide you through making tender and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques; this easy crock pot recipe is all about straightforward cooking that yields delicious results.
With just a few steps, you’ll have moist chicken legs with a mouthwatering BBQ glaze that’s perfect for a hearty, no-fuss meal the whole family will enjoy. For a tasty meal serve them with easy side dishes such as Easy Sautéed Green Beans, Roasted Carrots and Potatoes or Mexican Corn in a Cup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, making it a go-to for busy weeknight dinners or anytime you need an easy family meal.
- Delicious Results: Slow cooking these chicken drumsticks allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. You’ll end up with juicy chicken legs with a tasty BBQ glaze that’s sure to satisfy the entire family.
- Versatile: You can adapt this recipe to your taste by exploring variations and substitutions, making it a unique addition to your collection of simple chicken recipes.
Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the show, these bone-in pieces of dark meat deliver rich, succulent taste.
- Spice Rub: A blend of seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika.
- BBQ Sauce: Use a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce or make our Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce. I like my homemade version because it includes brown sugar for that sweet, caramelized taste.
Substitutions
- Asian-Inspired: Swap out the barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce to give your chicken a sweet and savory teriyaki twist. Or add some soy sauce to your BBQ sauce.
- Different Cuts: While we love slow cooker chicken legs, you can try this recipe with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even boneless chicken for a different texture.
Top Tip
- DO NOT use frozen meat or poultry in a slow cooker. According to the USDA, “If you place frozen meat or poultry in a slow cooker it can spend too much time thawing, allow bacteria to multiply, and make you sick.”
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towel. Dry skin helps achieve that sought-after crispy texture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
- Crisp it Up: When the slow cooking is done, preheat your broiler on high heat. Place the drumsticks on a sheet pan and baste them with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until they achieve a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Serve: Your delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are ready to be savored.
Detailed measurements and instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Slow Cooking: Cook the legs on LOW for 5-6 hours, if that timing suits your schedule better.
- Pressure Cooking: For super fast and easy chicken dinner recipe, try this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe.
- Air Fryer: Instead of finishing your chicken drumsticks under the broiler, you can also place drumsticks in the air fryer set to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
Tips
- Make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. If more cooking time is needed, keep slow cooking them for another 15 minutes and try again. Cooking times can vary between cookers, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is safe to eat.
- For easy cleanup, cover the bottom of the baking sheet with aluminum foil before adding the chicken legs.
Top Tip for Food Safety
When handling raw chicken, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Additionally, clean any surfaces, utensils, or plates that come into contact with the raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination. Food safety is paramount when enjoying delicious recipes like this one.
Storage
For leftovers, place the chicken drumsticks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out our FAQs below. And, if you still have questions, make a comment below or send me an email.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt such as Lawry's
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 8 chicken legs about 3 pounds
- 1 cup BBQ sauce divided
Instructions
- Using paper towels, pat the chicken drumsticks dry.
- In a medium bowl, combine the seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder and paprika.
- Toss the drumksticks into the seasoning mixture and rub it all over each leg.
- Place chicken into the slow cooker. Brush on 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Preheat the broiler with a rack in the top position.
- Using tongs, transfer the legs to a sheet pan. Baste the legs with the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Broil the legs for 3 to 5 minutes, or until nicely caramelized.
- Serve.