If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free, finger-licking good dinner idea, look no further than these Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich BBQ flavor, slow-cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for that irresistible crispy edge. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it a beloved staple for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Once you try these drumsticks, you’ll wonder why you ever complicated chicken dinners before!

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients that each play a key role in creating mouthwatering BBQ chicken with amazing texture and balanced flavor. Using everyday pantry staples means you can whip this up anytime without a last-minute grocery run.

3 pounds chicken drumsticks: Perfectly portioned and naturally juicy, they’re the star of this dish.

2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub: This blend adds a smoky, savory kick that seeps deep into the meat.
2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (divided use): Using some sauce during cooking and some at the end gives layers of flavor and a beautifully sticky glaze.

Cooking spray: A quick coat prevents sticking and helps crisp the skin during broiling.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure the drumsticks don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. This simple step also helps keep the skin intact when you transfer the chicken later.

Step 2: Season the Drumsticks

Rub the BBQ spice mix generously all over each drumstick. This seasoning layer is what gives the chicken its bold, smoky base flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Layer and Sauce

Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers, so they cook evenly. Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce over the top and gently toss everything to make sure each piece is coated lovingly in that tangy, sweet sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook the drumsticks on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. This slow cooking process is the heart of the recipe, transforming the chicken into tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Edges

Once the chicken is cooked through, preheat your broiler and transfer the drumsticks to a sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce on top to build a sticky glaze, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges turn crispy and caramelized, adding a fantastic contrast of textures.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side can brighten the smoky BBQ taste beautifully when squeezed over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

These drumsticks go wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or fluffy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, arrange the drumsticks on a large wooden board with bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles for dipping. If you want to get playful, serve the chicken in soft slider buns topped with slaw for amazing BBQ sliders that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making next-day meals taste even better!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap individual drumsticks in foil or place them in freezer-safe bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal.

Reheating

To reheat, place drumsticks on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This helps regain some crispiness while thoroughly heating the meat. You can also microwave them, but the oven method keeps the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken drumsticks when making this Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks recipe. Cooking from frozen can increase cooking time and might affect the evenness of the seasoning and texture.

What if I don’t have BBQ spice rub? What can I substitute?

If you don’t have a ready-made BBQ rub, you can mix your own using ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder. This DIY rub adds great flavor and smoke without extra effort.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check the labels on your spice rub. This way, you can enjoy these Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks without any worries.

Is it possible to cook this in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

You can bake the drumsticks in the oven at 375°F for about 35 to 45 minutes, turning and basting with BBQ sauce halfway through, but the slow cooker method really shines by making the chicken extra tender with minimal effort.

How can I make these drumsticks spicier?

To add heat, mix some cayenne pepper or hot paprika into your BBQ spice rub or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce before slow cooking. This lets you control the spice level to suit your taste perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and such comforting results, they quickly become a family favorite you’ll rely on again and again. Whether you need a stress-free dinner or a crowd-pleaser to bring to a gathering, these drumsticks deliver big on flavor and ease. Go ahead, give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks coated in a smoky BBQ spice rub and slow-cooked to perfection. Finished under the broiler for a crispy, caramelized edge, this easy recipe is perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

3 pounds chicken drumsticks

Seasoning and Sauce

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

Others

Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Season the chicken: Rub the BBQ spice all over the chicken drumsticks thoroughly, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Layer the drumsticks: Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers, making sure they are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.

Add BBQ sauce: Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce over the drumsticks in the slow cooker and gently toss them to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Preheat the broiler: About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, preheat your oven broiler to prepare for finishing the drumsticks with a crispy glaze.

Arrange drumsticks on sheet pan: Remove the cooked drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them in a single layer on a sheet pan lightly coated with cooking spray.
Glaze and broil: Brush the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the drumsticks, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the edges begin to brown and crisp, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, enjoying the perfect balance of tender meat and crispy sauce-coated skin.

Notes

You can customize the spice rub according to your preference, adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for extra heat.
Use a thick, quality BBQ sauce for best flavor and to prevent the meat from becoming soggy during cooking.
Make sure to monitor the broiler closely to avoid burning the sauce on the drumsticks.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
This recipe pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drumstick (approx. 140g)
Calories: 290 kcal

Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 14 g

Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 26 g

Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken drumsticks, easy slow cooker recipes, crispy chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken slow cooker