Whip up an incredibly easy and flavorful meal tonight with these slow cooker chicken drumsticks! This recipe promises minimal prep and maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory BBQ sauce that the whole family will adore. Get ready for a delicious dinner with hardly any effort.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
- Effortless Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Juicy & Tender: Enjoy consistently juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken every single time.
- Versatile Meal: These delightful BBQ drumsticks pair beautifully with many side dishes.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The classic BBQ taste is a guaranteed hit with even picky eaters.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken drumsticks are an economical choice for feeding a family.
- Simple Recipe: You only need three main ingredients for this fantastic dish.
Ingredients
Gather these few simple items to create your amazing slow cooker chicken drumsticks:
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, divided use
- Cooking spray
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken Drumsticks: Opt for bone-in, skin-on drumsticks. The skin protects the meat and helps keep it incredibly moist, while the bone adds flavor during the slow cooking process.
- BBQ Spice Rub: Use your favorite store-bought blend for convenience, or easily whip up a homemade one with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce you love. Sweet Emily recommends a classic smoky or a sweet and tangy variety. Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully too!
- Chicken Cuts: While drumsticks are ideal, you can use other bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs. Adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
- Frozen Chicken: It is best to thaw frozen drumsticks completely before slow cooking for the most consistent results and to ensure the rub adheres well.
Equipment
You won’t need much for these simple slow cooker BBQ drumsticks:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large baking sheet
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious slow cooker chicken drumsticks:
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Season Drumsticks: Sprinkle the BBQ spice rub all over the chicken drumsticks. Use your hands to thoroughly rub the spices into every part of the chicken, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible, or arrange them in layers if needed, ensuring they fit comfortably.
- Add Sauce: Pour 2 cups of your chosen BBQ sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently toss the drumsticks with tongs to ensure each piece is nicely coated in the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, or alternatively, cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily pull away from the bone when finished.
- Preheat Broiler: Once the slow-cooking time is almost complete, preheat your oven broiler. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper and coating it lightly with cooking spray.
- Transfer to Sheet Pan: Carefully remove the cooked chicken drumsticks from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush with Sauce: Take the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Use a basting brush to generously brush this fresh sauce over each drumstick. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze.
- Broil for Crispness: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch the chicken very closely! Broil until the edges of the drumsticks start to brown and crisp up, and the sauce caramelizes slightly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the broiler immediately. Let them rest for a moment, then serve your tender and flavorful slow cooker chicken drumsticks hot with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Keep Skin On: Leaving the chicken skin on during slow cooking helps lock in moisture, resulting in incredibly juicy meat. You can crisp it up later.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure drumsticks fit in a single layer or in just two layers within the slow cooker. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of simmering.
- Check Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked through. According to FoodSafety.gov, all poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
- Watch Broiler Carefully: The broiler works fast! Keep a close eye on your chicken to prevent burning. Broil just long enough for crisping and caramelization.
- Extra Crispy Skin: For maximum crispness, consider pan-searing the drumsticks in a hot skillet with a little oil for a couple of minutes per side after slow cooking and before brushing with fresh sauce and broiling.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cooker models vary. If your chicken isn’t fall-apart tender after the recommended time, continue cooking until it reaches the desired texture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
These flavorful slow cooker chicken drumsticks are wonderfully versatile.
- Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice for a comforting meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or classic corn on the cob.
- A fresh green salad adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich BBQ flavor.
- Always offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken drumsticks promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick individual portions. Adding a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating keeps them moist.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a teaspoon of chopped chipotle in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Garlic Infusion: Stir in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder with the BBQ sauce for an aromatic boost.
- Sweet & Tangy: Enhance the sauce by stirring in a tablespoon of brown sugar, honey, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a more complex profile.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker along with the chicken for an earthy, fragrant note.
- Different Sauces: Get creative! Instead of BBQ, try buffalo sauce for a fiery twist, teriyaki for an Asian-inspired meal, or honey mustard for a milder, sweeter option.
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation method. Values may vary based on specific brands, cooking techniques, and serving sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 323 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 139 mg |
| Sodium | 647 mg |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Potassium | 449 mg |
| Vitamin A | 175 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 31 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks? Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw them first. If using frozen, add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and the rub might not stick as well.
- How long do I cook chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker? Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 4-5 hours on low.
- How do I get crispy skin after slow cooking? After slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, brush with fresh BBQ sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the skin crisps and caramelizes.
Conclusion
You just discovered how incredibly easy and utterly delicious it is to make these slow cooker chicken drumsticks. This simple recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to any busy schedule. We hope this becomes a regular, beloved meal in your home. Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to leave us a rating and review!
Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Sauce
Enjoy succulent chicken drumsticks slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a crispy, caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. This easy recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Sheet pan
- Broiler
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce divided use
- cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Rub the BBQ spice all over the drumsticks, then place them in layers in the slow cooker.
- Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce into the slow cooker and gently toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
Finishing
- Preheat the broiler.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place in a single layer on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.
- Brush the remaining 1/2 cup sauce over the drumsticks. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are browned and crisp, then serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the spice rub for a few hours before slow cooking. Adjust the amount of BBQ spice rub to your preference for a milder or spicier kick. Always ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).