Ready for an incredibly easy and flavorful weeknight dinner? These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are your new go-to recipe. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can set them and forget them, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. You’ll end up with amazingly tender, juicy chicken, finished with perfectly crispy, saucy skin right under the broiler.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
These slow cooker chicken drumsticks offer ultimate convenience for busy home cooks. Just gather your ingredients, toss them in, and let the cooker handle the rest. You’ll love the rich, savory BBQ flavor infused into every bite, perfect for any family meal.
The chicken becomes wonderfully tender, practically falling off the bone with little effort. This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly and consistently kid-approved. Plus, a quick broil at the end ensures that irresistible crispy skin everyone craves.
Ingredients
To make these delicious slow cooker chicken drumsticks, you will need just a few simple items. These staple ingredients come together to create a truly satisfying meal.
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, divided use
- Cooking spray
Notes & Substitutions
Chicken Drumsticks: Fresh drumsticks work best for optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely before seasoning to ensure even cooking and prevent watery sauce.
BBQ Spice Rub: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought blend for convenience. Alternatively, create a homemade rub with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper for a custom flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce you love. Whether it’s a smoky, sweet, or tangy variety, your preferred brand will shine through. You can also make your own homemade sauce for a truly unique touch.
Other Chicken Cuts: This recipe is versatile. You can use whole chicken legs, boneless chicken thighs, or even boneless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times as needed for different cuts; boneless pieces generally cook faster. For bone-in, skin-on thighs, the cooking time will be similar to drumsticks.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You need a few basic kitchen tools for these delicious slow cooker chicken drumsticks.
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl (optional, for tossing)
- Baking sheet
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
Instructions
Prepare your slow cooker chicken drumsticks with these simple, step-by-step instructions. You will achieve tender, flavorful results every time.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Coat the inside of your slow cooker crock thoroughly with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Sprinkle the BBQ spice rub all over them. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into each drumstick, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your slow cooker chicken drumsticks.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in the prepared slow cooker. Layer them neatly, making sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding the pot.
- Add the Sauce: Pour 2 cups of your chosen BBQ sauce over the drumsticks. Gently toss the chicken to coat each piece generously with the sauce. This ensures maximum flavor infusion during the slow cooking process.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the drumsticks on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily pull away from the bone when finished.
- Preheat Broiler: While the chicken finishes cooking, preheat your oven broiler to its highest setting. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, if desired.
- Transfer and Sauce: Carefully remove the cooked chicken drumsticks from the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush and Broil: Brush the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the drumsticks. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching them closely. The skin should become deliciously crispy and the edges should start to brown.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and serve them warm. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy, and tender slow cooker chicken drumsticks!
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Drumsticks
Achieve the best possible results with these expert tips for your slow cooker drumsticks.
- Keep Skin On: Always cook the drumsticks with the skin on. The skin helps retain moisture, adding incredible flavor and preventing the chicken from drying out during the long cooking process.
- Broiling Watch: Broilers are powerful and can burn food quickly. Stay by the oven and watch the drumsticks carefully. Flip them if necessary to crisp both sides without charring.
- Doneness: Perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks will have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be fork-tender and practically falling off the bone, not tough or stringy.
- Prevent Dryness: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking chicken can still lead to dryness. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness towards the end of the cooking window.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, remove the chicken after slow cooking. Transfer the remaining sauce from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile slow cooker chicken drumsticks pair wonderfully with many sides and are easy to store or adapt.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Serve your delicious drumsticks with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or traditional corn on the cob for a comforting meal.
- Veggie Pairings: Complement the rich flavor with roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
- Other Ideas: Enjoy them alongside homemade coleslaw, baked mac and cheese, or a simple side of quinoa.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked slow cooker chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat drumsticks gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short bursts. For crispy skin, a quick re-broil works wonders.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or BBQ sauce for a fiery twist.
- Garlic Herb: Incorporate 2-3 minced garlic cloves and a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or fresh rosemary into the slow cooker for an aromatic flavor profile.
- Sweet & Tangy: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a splash of pineapple juice with the BBQ sauce for a different sweet-and-sour balance.
- Global Flavors: Experiment with Asian-inspired sauces like teriyaki or hoisin, or go smoky with liquid smoke and chipotle peppers for unique slow cooked chicken drumstick options.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and cooking methods. This calculation is for one serving of slow cooked chicken drumstick based on approximately 6 servings per recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 323 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 139 mg |
| Sodium | 647 mg |
| Potassium | 449 mg |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Vitamin A | 175 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 31 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen slow cooker chicken drumsticks?
Yes, you can cook frozen slow cooker chicken drumsticks, but you must adjust the cooking time. Add an additional 1-2 hours to the low setting or 30-60 minutes to the high setting to ensure they cook through safely.
How long do chicken drumsticks take in a slow cooker?
Chicken drumsticks generally take 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in a slow cooker. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
What is the safe internal temperature for chicken?
The safe internal temperature for all poultry, including these slow cooker chicken drumsticks, is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone.
Conclusion
These easy slow cooker chicken drumsticks are truly a game-changer for weeknight meals. They offer incredible flavor, tender meat, and irresistible crispy skin, all with minimal effort.
The simple prep and set-it-and-forget-it convenience make this recipe perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We encourage you to try this delicious and versatile meal soon. Let us know how your family enjoys these amazing drumsticks in the comments below!
Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a large bowl and rub them all over with BBQ spice rub until evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single or slightly overlapping layer.
- Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce over the drumsticks and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and pulls from the bone easily.
- Preheat the oven broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
- Transfer drumsticks to the baking sheet in a single layer and brush with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until skin crisps and edges begin to caramelize.
- Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cooking times are explicitly provided.
- Use fresh drumsticks for best texture; if using frozen, fully thaw before cooking.
- BBQ spice rub can be store-bought or homemade.
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