Slow Cooker BBQ Drumsticks
Tender and flavorful, these slow cooker BBQ drumsticks are perfect for any gathering. Juicy chicken cooked low and slow in a tangy and smoky sauce, finger-licking goodness awaits!
I think every home chef should own a crockpot. Slow cooking is an excellent way to save yourself time and energy.
It is also a fabulous tool for meal prepping. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, I have a delicious meal to serve all my boys at the end of a busy day.
If you want even more slow cooker recipes the entire family will enjoy, try this crockpot salsa chicken, crockpot lasagna soup, or this crockpot chicken pesto parmesan.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
I can throw together several freezer bags full of recipe ingredients at once and store them in the deep freeze until I want a quick dinner. Then I just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning, set it, and get on with my day.
By the time we are ready to eat that evening, a whole meal is ready and waiting. It doesn’t get much easier than that. Check out this crockpot freezer meals post for more tips and tricks and some of our favorite recipes.
Because I love slow cooking so much, I am always looking for more delicious recipes to make in my crockpot, hence this yummy chicken recipe. Serve up these slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks with mashed potatoes and a side salad for a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love.
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Supplies
- This 7-Quart Oval Crockpot is the only one that I use and has lasted for over ten years!
- Measuring cups & spoons
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 4 hrs on HIGH or 8 hrs on LOW
Total Time: 4 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6 drumsticks
Here are a few of the basic grocery store staples that you will need to get started with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken legs – Our local grocery often has chicken drumsticks on sale.
- BBQ sauce – We like to use this delicious homemade barbecue sauce whenever possible.
- Seasoning salt – Adds a savory base to make the chicken extra tasty.
- Garlic powder – A simple way to add a nice garlic kick.
- Onion powder – Balances out the flavors with a mild sweetness.
- Chili powder – Gives a little warmth and spice for depth, but it’s mild enough to keep things kid-friendly.
- Paprika – Adds a smoky touch to complete the BBQ flavor.
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings together.
2. Sprinkle the spice rub all over the chicken and rub it into each piece.
3. Place chicken into the crockpot and brush it with BBQ sauce.
4. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
5. Remove and brush with more BBQ sauce.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
For a stickier, crispier piece of chicken, place the fully cooked chicken in a single layer onto a rimmed baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper or foil. Place the pan under the broiler for 5 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- You can make this easy recipe with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and chicken wings too.
- While you can use your family’s favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe, I highly recommend trying our homemade BBQ sauce.
- If you are using a longer cook time, add ¼ cup water to the slow cooker to ensure that the drumsticks do not burn.
- Store any leftover chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. It can easily be reheated in the oven, microwave, or air fryer for a quick snack.
- This chicken drumstick recipe is a great option for make-ahead meal prep. Simply toss all of the ingredients into a large freezer bag, seal, and mix everything together, making sure the meat is well coated. This meal can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker?
Yes, but for food safety, it’s recommended to thaw the drumsticks first. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking, so use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Should I add BBQ sauce at the beginning or the end of cooking?
Adding BBQ sauce at the start infuses flavor during cooking. For extra stickiness, I sometimes brush more sauce on after cooking and broil the drumsticks for a caramelized finish.
Can I customize the BBQ flavor?
Yes! Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy—or mix sauces to create a unique flavor. You can also add extra spices or honey for more depth.
The next time you want a simple recipe for a busy weeknight dinner, I hope you give these slow cooker BBQ chicken legs a try.
If you love this slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe, please give it a five-star review and help me share them on Facebook or Pinterest!
Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs
- 1 tsp season salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings together.
- Season all of the chicken and rub the spice rub into each piece.
- Place chicken into the crockpot and brush it with BBQ sauce.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Remove and brush with more BBQ sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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