Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks cooked with herbs, and barbecue sauce have a bold, zesty flavor the whole family will enjoy. This easy chicken dinner recipe is sure to become a new favorite meal to make on busy nights.

If you need an easy side to go with these crockpot chicken drumsticks, try Slow Cooker Collard Greens or Barbecue Baked Beans.

Why this chicken drumsticks recipe works

Thanks to the crock pot, these slow cooker chicken drumsticks allow you to dump and go. This minimizes prep time, and the cooking time is perfect for fall-apart tender bbq chicken. You will get the barbecue grill flavor in the drumsticks, but they will be FAR more tender.

You’ll also create a knockoff homemade bbq sauce by adding brown sugar and a few traditional seasonings. If you are wanting an appetizer, try my slow cooker bbq chicken wings.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks: You’ll keep the chicken leg skin on for this recipe. It will help enhance the flavor. We also use drumsticks in our chicken in a hurry recipe.
• BBQ Sauce: This is where you can get creative with your favorite brand. We use Sweet Baby Rays for the best chicken drumsticks.
• Brown Sugar: Adding a little brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder provide the perfect combination of flavors for the chicken and the bbq sauce. Essentially we are making a bbq rub for the slow cooker drumsticks.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Add the drumsticks and seasonings to a Ziploc bag and toss until the chicken is fully covered.

Step Two – Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker.

Step Three – Add barbecue sauce over the chicken legs.

Step Four – Cover and cook chicken drumsticks on HIGH for 3 ½ – 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. 

How to serve

• Crock pot chicken drumsticks can be served alongside a nice side salad and garlic bread.
• Other side options to consider for serving the best chicken drumsticks are: crockpot mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, crockpot corn on the cob, rice, or crockpot mac and cheese.
• Use some of the bbq sauce for dipping sauce. Ranch dressing is also another great option to top the drumsticks with.

Variations

• The drumstick part of the chicken is typically just the lower leg; another variation you could try is the actual chicken leg, which includes the thigh. Then you’ll have crock pot chicken thighs.
• You could also switch things up by using chicken breasts, wings, or chicken thighs.
• Add drained crushed pineapple, peach preserves, or even sliced jalapenos for different flavor combinations.

Recipe FAQs

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