Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken drumsticks infused with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Coated with a flavorful dry rub and slow-cooked to perfection, these easy-to-make drumsticks are finished under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy exterior. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that feels like a backyard BBQ feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning
Sauces
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place all your chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning until well combined.
- Season the Drumsticks: Sprinkle the spice rub evenly all over the chicken drumsticks to coat them thoroughly.
- Add Honey: Drizzle the ⅓ cup of honey over the seasoned drumsticks to add sweetness and help balance the spices.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 ½ cups of the BBQ sauce into the slow cooker, covering the chicken pieces. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of sauce for finishing.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Broil for Finish: Near the end of cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Transfer the cooked chicken legs from the slow cooker onto the baking sheet.
- Brush and Caramelize: Brush the reserved ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, then place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning, aiming to crisp and caramelize the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from the broiler and serve the crispy, flavorful BBQ chicken legs hot, ideally with your favorite sides.
Notes
- These chicken legs are incredibly tender thanks to slow cooking, making them perfect for minimal-effort meals.
- The combination of smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and honey creates a balanced smoky, spicy, and sweet flavor profile.
- Broiling at the end gives the chicken a delightful crispy glaze that mimics outdoor grilling.
- Ensure to keep an eye on the broiler step to prevent the sauce from burning due to its sugar content.
- Great for meal prep or casual gatherings when you want flavorful BBQ without firing up the grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Sugar: 51 g
- Sodium: 1143 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
