Slow Cooker Drumsticks: A Simple, Flavorful, and Tender Recipe

Slow Cooker Drumsticks are a fantastic way to prepare chicken that’s both delicious and incredibly easy. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. By combining a few simple ingredients and letting your slow cooker do all the hard work, you can have a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.

In this recipe, the chicken drumsticks are seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, cooked low and slow to lock in the flavors, and then finished with a tangy BBQ sauce. The result is an incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a crispy, caramelized skin that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Let’s dive into how you can easily make these slow cooker drumsticks at home.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Drumsticks

To make the most flavorful slow cooker drumsticks, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the richness of the chicken.
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder: Offers a garlicky kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and ensures the chicken is seasoned properly.
• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks: The star of the recipe, drumsticks are perfect for slow cooking as they remain tender and juicy.
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for that sweet, tangy finish. For a healthier or paleo version, opt for a BBQ sauce with no refined sugar or additives.

These ingredients come together to create a deliciously seasoned drumstick with the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Drumsticks

1. Prepare the Spice Mixture

Start by mixing together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful blend of spices will ensure the chicken drumsticks are perfectly seasoned and full of flavor.

2. Coat the Chicken Drumsticks

Place the chicken drumsticks in a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Toss the chicken legs gently to ensure an even coating of the seasoning. The spice mix will stick to the skin, infusing the chicken with flavor as it cooks.

3. Add BBQ Sauce

Next, pour ½ cup BBQ sauce over the chicken. Spread the sauce over the top of the chicken drumsticks to create a rich, flavorful base. The sauce will help the chicken stay moist while adding that signature BBQ flavor during the slow-cooking process.

4. Slow Cook the Drumsticks

Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook the drumsticks on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours, depending on your preference and the power of your slow cooker. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes extremely tender and infused with all the flavors of the seasoning and BBQ sauce.

5. Crispy Skin (Optional but Recommended)

For those who love crispy skin on their chicken, here’s a simple trick. After the chicken has finished cooking in the slow cooker, carefully remove the drumsticks and place them on a foil-lined broiler-safe pan. Discard the remaining cooking liquid, or if you like, strain and save it for another use, such as making a flavorful sauce or soup.

Brush each drumstick with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides. This will give the chicken a glossy, flavorful finish. Now, place the drumsticks under the broiler on high for 2-4 minutes, flip them over, and broil for another 2 minutes or until the skin begins to crisp up. Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to avoid burning. The result will be crispy, caramelized skin with all the tender goodness of the slow-cooked meat beneath.

Why Slow Cooker Drumsticks Are a Great Choice

Slow cooker drumsticks offer a variety of benefits that make them a fantastic choice for busy individuals and families:

1. Convenience

The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to set it and forget it. This recipe requires minimal prep time and hands-on effort, making it ideal for those who want a hearty meal with little fuss.

2. Tender, Juicy Chicken

By slow-cooking the chicken, you ensure that the drumsticks stay juicy and tender. The extended cooking time allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and BBQ sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful.

3. Versatility

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. Whether you prefer spicy BBQ sauce, a tangy vinegar-based sauce, or a sweet and smoky variety, you can adjust the flavors to match your preferences. You can also experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique version of slow cooker drumsticks.

4. Ideal for Meal Prep

Slow cooker drumsticks are perfect for meal prepping, as they can be made in large batches and stored for later use. Once cooked, the drumsticks can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

5. Great for Feeding a Crowd

This recipe is also ideal for gatherings, barbecues, or family meals. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare enough drumsticks to feed a crowd, making it an economical and crowd-pleasing dish.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Drumsticks

• Skin-on drumsticks: Always use skin-on chicken drumsticks for this recipe to retain moisture and flavor. The skin will protect the meat during cooking, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.
• Use quality BBQ sauce: The BBQ sauce plays a significant role in the final flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality sauce that matches your taste preferences for the best result.
• Don’t overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, it’s important not to overcook the drumsticks. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on high or 6-hour mark on low to prevent the chicken from becoming too dry.
• Broil carefully: If you’re broiling the chicken for crispy skin, keep an eye on it while under the broiler. The high heat can quickly burn the skin if left unattended.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Drumsticks are the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, rich BBQ sauce, and optional crispy skin makes this recipe a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, these slow cooker drumsticks will deliver a meal that everyone will love. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy the mouthwatering results!