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
