Enjoy dinner with minimal fuss tonight! These Slow Cooker Chicken Legs deliver unbelievably tender, juicy chicken with barely any effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, leaving you with a delicious, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Prepare for succulent chicken that practically falls off the bone.

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

You’ll quickly make these juicy slow cooker drumsticks a regular on your meal rotation! They are truly a game-changer for effortless dinners.

Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking: Simply set it and forget it. Your slow cooker handles everything while you go about your day.
Incredibly Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Chicken: Slow cooking ensures every piece of poultry comes out perfectly moist and tender.
Uses Common, Affordable Ingredients: This recipe relies on pantry staples and economical chicken cuts.
Versatile for Various Meals and Occasions: Serve them with your favorite sides or transform them into new dishes.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Busy Schedules: Prepare a batch ahead of time for quick grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather these simple items to create the most incredible Slow Cooker Chicken Legs. The magic happens with just a few core components and some flavorful spices.

2 lb. drumsticks, patted dry
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup butter, diced

Notes & Substitutions

For these chicken pieces, drumsticks offer a classic choice, but you can easily use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or even leg quarters. Just remember that larger cuts might need a little extra cooking time to reach ultimate tenderness. Feel free to experiment with the spice blend. A ready-made poultry seasoning, Creole blend, or even just salt and pepper work well if you are short on time. Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor, or even homemade if you have it. The butter adds richness and helps keep the chicken incredibly moist. For a dairy-free option, a neutral oil like olive oil can be used, though it changes the flavor profile slightly.

Equipment

Making these easy slow cooker drumsticks requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You likely already have everything you need.

A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker (crockpot)
Measuring spoons and cups for accuracy
A small mixing bowl for spices

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Legs. The process is straightforward, ensuring perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prep Chicken: First, use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the drumsticks dry. This helps the seasoning adhere better and can contribute to better texture.
Step 2: Season: In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and onion powder. This forms your flavorful dry rub. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over all the chicken pieces, using your hands to ensure they are well coated.
Step 3: Assemble: Carefully transfer the seasoned chicken drumsticks into your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack them loosely if necessary.
Step 4: Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the drumsticks in the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the diced butter and minced fresh garlic evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. This longer, slower cooking period is ideal for achieving truly fall-off-the-bone, incredibly tender results.
Step 6: Optional HIGH: If you are in a rush, you can cook the chicken on the HIGH setting for 2-3 hours. While faster, cooking on LOW is guaranteed to yield the most tender and juicy slow cooker chicken legs.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect results with your chicken is easy with these simple tips. From crispy skin to a delicious sauce, we’ve got you covered.

Crispy Skin: For crispy skin, briefly sear the chicken in a hot pan before slow cooking. Alternatively, after cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Thickening Sauce: If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking. Transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) until thickened to your liking.
Doneness: Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for all poultry to ensure it is safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone.
Prevent Dryness: Ensure you always have at least 1/3 cup of liquid in the slow cooker to prevent the chicken from drying out. The slow cooker’s lid traps moisture, but some liquid is crucial for braising.
Flavor Boost: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving can add a lovely burst of freshness and color.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These versatile chicken legs are perfect for a wide range of meals and occasions. They also store and reheat beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Enjoy alongside steamed rice or quinoa.
Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great fresh contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the slow cooker with a splash of extra broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a little liquid until heated through, or warm them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Variations

Flavor Profiles: Try BBQ sauce, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, bold Cajun spices, or Mediterranean-inspired Greek flavors with oregano and lemon.
Vegetables: Add chopped root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery directly to the slow cooker with the chicken for a complete meal.
Sauces: Experiment with different finishing sauces such as a honey-garlic glaze, a sweet and sour sauce, or even a spicy buffalo drizzle.

Nutrition

These slow cooker chicken legs offer a flavorful, protein-rich meal option. The values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 g
Calories	471 kcal
Carbohydrates	2 g
Protein	40 g
Fat	33 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	240 mg
Sodium	692 mg
Fiber	0.4 g
Sugar	0.2 g
Unsaturated Fat	16 g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about making delicious slow cooker drumsticks. We’ll help you perfect your recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken legs? No, you should always thaw chicken completely before slow cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can keep it in the “danger zone” temperature too long, promoting bacterial growth.
What spices can I use? Feel free to customize! Beyond our blend, try smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or a ready-made barbecue rub for different flavors.
Do chicken legs need to be fully submerged? No, the chicken legs do not need to be fully submerged in liquid. A modest amount of broth is enough to create steam and moisture within the slow cooker.
What are good side dishes? Excellent choices include mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, a simple garden salad, or fluffy white rice. Corn on the cob or roasted root vegetables also pair well.
Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work perfectly as a substitute. The cooking time will be very similar to drumsticks, but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Chicken Legs are the ultimate easy weeknight meal, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll achieve perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly dish that consistently delivers. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and make it a new family favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe once you do!