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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 185 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are seasoned with a flavorful BBQ spice rub and cooked low and slow in barbecue sauce until tender and juicy. Finished under the broiler for a crispy, caramelized exterior, this easy 3-ingredient meal is perfect for a hands-off dinner that comes together in minutes and delivers unbeatable taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 3 pounds chicken drumsticks

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
  • 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, divided

Other

  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Chicken: Rub the BBQ spice all over the chicken drumsticks to evenly coat them with flavor.
  3. Layer and Sauce: Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers, then pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce over them. Gently toss the drumsticks to coat them thoroughly in the sauce.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Preheat Broiler: When the slow cooker finishes, preheat your oven’s broiler to prepare for crisping the drumsticks.
  6. Broil the Drumsticks: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the drumsticks.
  7. Crisp and Serve: Broil the drumsticks for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the edges begin to brown and crisp. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using a BBQ spice rub and sauce adds layered smoky and tangy flavors to the chicken.
  • Slow cooking makes the drumsticks tender and juicy with minimal effort.
  • Broiling at the end crisps the skin for texture and appearance.
  • Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your preferred flavor—sweet, spicy, or smoky.
  • This recipe yields about 6 servings and pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 647 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 139 mg

Find it online: https://comfortplates.com/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/