Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is both easy and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Check out my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken and my Spicy Chicken Bites for more delicious chicken recipes!

This slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare chicken in the slow cooker. The chicken drumsticks are placed in the slow cooker, covered with spices, bbq sauce and cooked until they are tender and juicy.

They're finished off in the broiler for a little added crispiness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The slow cooker does all the work for you, freeing up your time to do other things. Simply place the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the rest.
• The combination of the spices and bbq sauce creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
• The slow cooking process helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, resulting in juicy and delicious drumsticks every time.
• Chicken drumsticks are an economical option for mealtime, and the slow cooker makes it possible to turn them into a gourmet-style dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Onion Powder: Provides a mild, sweet flavor.
• Ground Mustard: Adds a tangy, spicy flavor to the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the tangy and spicy flavors.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the chicken, as well as a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and to help the chicken retain moisture.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick, though it can be omitted if desired.
• Chicken Drumsticks: The main ingredient in this recipe.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides the sweet and tangy flavor that is characteristic of traditional bbq chicken.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large resealable zip top bag, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Add one drumstick to the bag and shake to coat the drumstick. Remove and add to the slow cooker. Repeat until all 12 drumsticks are coated in the seasonings.

Step 3: Pour the bbq sauce over the drumsticks, making sure that they are evenly coated. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.

Step 4: Once the drumsticks are done in the slow cooker, turn oven broiler to high.

Step 5: Cover a baking sheet with foil and lay the drumsticks out in a single layer. Brush bbq sauce over the drumsticks.

Step 6: Place drumsticks in the broiler for 3 minutes, flip the drumsticks over and broil for another 3 minutes. Enjoy!

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

Expert Tips

• Use high quality ingredients. The quality of the ingredients you use will directly affect the flavor of the finished dish, so use the best quality chicken drumsticks and bbq sauce you can find.
• Adjust the cooking time. Depending on the size of your chicken drumsticks, the cooking time may vary. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165 ℉.
• Baste the chicken. About halfway through the cooking time, use a spoon to baste the chicken with the bbq sauce in the slow cooker. This will help to keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Serve with your favorite sides. Serve the slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.

Variations

• Spicier: For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade or add in other spicy ingredients like chipotle peppers or hot sauce.
• Sweet and Spicy: For a sweet and spicy version, you can add in honey or pineapple to the marinade, along with the cayenne pepper, for a delicious balance of sweet and heat.
• Mustard Based: If you love the flavor of mustard, you can use a mustard-based bbq sauce in place of the traditional tomato based sauce.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: You can also use chicken thighs, wings, or breasts in place of the drumsticks if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Storing

Storing: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature. Place the chicken drumsticks in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. If there is any remaining bbq sauce in the slow cooker, pour it over the chicken before storing it. Store the drumsticks in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken drumsticks, make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the drumsticks, preheat the oven to 375 ℉. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.

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