Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are a game-changer. Juicy chicken legs are infused with tangy BBQ sauce and super easy to make. Just season, cook, and serve with your favorite side dishes!

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If you’re like me and love a good, no-fuss dinner, then you have to try my slow cooker chicken drumsticks. I love to make grilled drumsticks but sometimes I need a dump-it-and-forget it alternative.
This juicy, tender chicken drumsticks are perfectly seasoned with spices and coated in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Why I love this recipe
This kid-friendly recipe is a lifesaver on my hectic days.
With just a quick seasoning and a few hours in the slow cooker, I can enjoy flavorful, fall-off-the-bone chicken without the stress of cooking. The aroma of BBQ sauce filling the kitchen as it cooks is always a welcome treat.
For more delicious slow cooker recipes, be sure to try these: Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole for a comforting, hearty meal and Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef for a savory, sweet treat perfect with steamed rice.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this recipe:
- chicken legs
- season salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- chili powder
- paprika
- bbq sauce
Step by step
- Combine all the seasonings together and whisk to mix.
- Season all of the chicken and rub it into each piece.
- Place chicken into the crockpot and brush with bbq sauce.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Remove and base with more bbq sauce.
- For a sticky bbq leg, place under the broiler for 5 min.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips for Best Results
- Fresh drumsticks will give you the best texture and flavor.
- A quick broil at the end makes the BBQ sauce perfectly sticky by caramelizing the sauce.
- Don’t be shy with the spice rub to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Variations
For a twist, experiment with various sauces or spice blends. Consider a honey garlic or spicy buffalo sauce for a delicious change.
You can also mix in some apple cider vinegar or a touch of brown sugar with the BBQ sauce to enhance the flavors.
You can use the same spice rub and sauce with chicken thighs, wings, or chicken breasts but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Always ensure your chicken is cooked to 165° Fahrenheit.
Serving suggestions
- the saucy drumsticks are perfect over fluffy garlic rice or plain crock pot rice
- crispy roasted potatoes or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors of the chicken
- shred the chicken and use it in chicken sandwiches or wraps for a quick and easy lunch
Storage
Store any leftover slow cooker drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or heat them in the microwave.
For the best results, avoid overcooking during reheating to keep them juicy and tender.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 drumsticks 1x
Description
These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are a game-changer. Juicy chicken legs, packed with BBQ sauce flavor, and super easy to make. Just season, cook, and serve!
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon season salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Combine all the seasonings together.
- Season all of the chicken and rub it into each piece.
- Place chicken into the crockpot and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Remove and base with more BBQ sauce.
- For a sticky bbq leg, place the chicken under the broiler for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Sodium: 665.2 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25.6 g
- Cholesterol: 115.7 mg