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This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is both easy and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual entertaining, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Check out my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and my Buffalo 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
- Convenience. 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.
- Flavor. The combination of the spices and BBQ sauce creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Moist and tender chicken. The slow cooking process helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, resulting in juicy and delicious drumsticks every time.
- Budget-Friendly. 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 degrees F.
- 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 Version: 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 degrees F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, however keep in mind that it's best to thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Yes, you can use any type of BBQ sauce that you prefer. If you have a favorite brand or flavor, feel free to use that.
Yes, you can add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken drumsticks. Some popular options include bell peppers, onions, or carrots. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the slow cooker before adding the chicken.
Yes, you can also cook this recipe in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
More Chicken Recipes You'll Love
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks bone in, skin on
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 ½ cup BBQ sauce any kind
Instructions
- In a large resealable zip top bag, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the drumsticks are done in the slow cooker, turn oven broiler to high.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil and lay the drumsticks out in a single layer. Brush BBQ sauce over the drumsticks.
- Place drumsticks in the broiler for 3 minutes, flip the drumsticks over and broil for another 3 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- 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 degrees F.
- 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.
- 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 degrees F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Sara
Love that this is made in the slow cooker. I normally bake mine but it's such a hassle to have to keep an eye on them sometimes lol. Can't wait to try these out on Sunday!!
Vicky
Okay, you had me at slow cooker. We love chicken drumsticks and I especially like the idea of having them be tender and falling off the bone. Good idea to crisp them up in the broiler.
Toni
My family really loved this! It was so good!
Michelle
Love that you made these in the slow cooker. So simple and delicious. My kids absolutely love drumsticks!
Candice
Love that these are low calorie because they are so flavorful!! This is officially our go-to drumstick recipe... so easy, and everyone loves them. Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe!
Anita
First time trying making some BBQ chicken with a slow cooker, and loving it! This is super easy, and super delicious. The broiling at the end makes these even more yummy.
morgan eisenberg
Perfect indoor BBQ method for my winter cravings!
Sharon
This is a great meal to have on hand when I want something easy to make but full of flavor. They looks delicious.
Megan Ellam
These are so delicious, cheap and easy to make. I have everything on hand most weeks to make a batch of these. Thanks so much for a great recipe.
Caroline
I love how easy and tasty these sound - perfect finger food for game day!