Incredible Slow Cooker Drumsticks (4-Ingredients!) Recipe
This incredible slow cooker drumsticks recipe uses just four simple ingredients to deliver tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The chicken is slow-cooked with a smoky and garlicky spice blend and BBQ sauce, then finished under the broiler for perfectly crispy skin. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 6 hours (slow cooker) plus 5 minutes (broiling)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Spices
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Chicken
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (divided into ½ cup and 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, granulated garlic powder, and kosher salt until evenly mixed.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks into a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the drumsticks and toss them gently to ensure an even coating.
- Add BBQ sauce and cook: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly on top. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 2 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and very tender.
- Prepare for broiling: Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken drumsticks to a foil-lined broiler-safe pan. Discard the cooking liquid or strain and save it for another use.
- Broil for crispy skin: Brush all sides of the drumsticks with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Place the pan under a preheated broiler on high. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and broil for an additional 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning, aiming for a crisped, caramelized skin.
Notes
- Cooking times vary depending on slow cooker size and temperature accuracy; check for internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Do not walk away during broiling as the chicken can burn quickly.
- Using foil on the broiling pan helps with easy cleanup.
- Leftover cooking liquid can be strained and used as a BBQ glaze or sauce base.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
