Description
This Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender slow-cooked chicken coated in a smoky spice blend and tangy barbecue sauce. The slow cooker ensures juicy meat that easily falls off the bone, while finishing under the broiler crisps the skin for a delicious contrast. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Drumsticks
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks
Spices
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cumin, and garlic salt. Stir well to blend the spices evenly.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken drumsticks and rub it thoroughly all over the skin to coat evenly.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour 1 cup of the BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, ensuring an even coating for flavor and moisture.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender. Alternatively, cook on high for a shorter time, around 3-4 hours.
- Broil for crispy skin – first side: When the chicken is cooked, transfer drumsticks onto a foil-lined, cooking spray coated baking sheet. Brush half of the remaining BBQ sauce on the drumsticks. Broil in the oven for 1 to 5 minutes until the chicken skin begins to brown and crisp.
- Broil for crispy skin – second side: Flip the drumsticks, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce, and broil for another 1 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot: Remove from oven and serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your tender, flavorful Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast or regular chicken legs in this recipe.
- Homemade BBQ sauce works great if you prefer making your own, but store-bought BBQ sauce is also delicious.
- Keep the skin on the chicken for juicy meat and crispy edges after broiling.
- Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning, as the skin crisps quickly.
- Variations include adding jalapeños for spice, honey or brown sugar for a sweeter glaze, or replacing BBQ sauce with soy sauce or other seasonings.
- Omit BBQ sauce if you prefer a dry rub, and try adding onion powder or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
