Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are slow-cooked until juicy and fork-tender, packed with a smoky-sweet flavor reminiscent of barbecuing—without the grill. They’re then finished under the broiler for a caramelized BBQ glaze. With just a few pantry spices, your favorite barbecue sauce, and minimal prep, this easy dinner delivers all the taste of a backyard cookout.
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 372kcal
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks about 6-10 depending on size
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil 13g
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika 7.5g
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar 12.5g
- 1 teaspoon sea salt 6g
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3g
- 12 oz jar barbecue sauce plus extra for dipping
Instructions
- Combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Place drumsticks in a big bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle seasoning evenly over all sides of chicken, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until the meat is tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Preheat the oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Using tongs, transfer drumsticks from slow cooker to baking sheet. Brush generously with barbecue sauce.
- Broil for 4-5 minutes turning once and brushing with more sauce halfway through, until the skin is caramelized and slightly crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
Notes
If you want the skin extra crispy when broiling at the end, stay closer to 1 tablespoon of oil — too much oil can keep the skin from crisping as much.
You can also finish these in a 425°F oven for about 12–15 minutes if you prefer baking over broiling.
Skip the broiling if you prefer, you can either heat up the barbecue sauce and serve with the chicken drumsticks or use it as a cold dipping sauce.
You can also finish these in a 425°F oven for about 12–15 minutes if you prefer baking over broiling.
Skip the broiling if you prefer, you can either heat up the barbecue sauce and serve with the chicken drumsticks or use it as a cold dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1131mg | Potassium: 506mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 772IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg
