Juicy Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe for Effortless Meals

Lazy weekend dinners find their perfect match in these irresistible slow cooker drumsticks.

Tender chicken falls right off the bone with minimal kitchen effort.

Households crazy about simple meals will adore this effortless recipe.

Juicy meat marinates in rich, deep seasonings while lazily cooking throughout the day.

Nobody needs fancy culinary skills to create this crowd-pleasing dish.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this delightful recipe for future stress-free meal planning.

Why Slow Cooker Drumsticks Are a Set-It-and-Forget-It Star

• Savor slow cooker drumsticks that transform dinner prep into a breeze.
• This recipe requires minimal effort with just 10 minutes of prep time, letting you enjoy hassle-free cooking.
• Flexible cooking options allow you to choose low or high settings, accommodating different schedules and making meal planning simple.
• Kids and adults will love the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce coating, creating a delicious meal everyone can enjoy together.

Everything You’ll Need for Flavorful Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Meaty and flavorful protein base for the slow cooker dish, best when fresh and skin-on.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder: Classic spice combination that adds depth and enhances chicken flavor, choose fresh ground spices for best results.

• Barbecue Sauce, Olive Oil, Honey: Sweet and tangy sauce that provides moisture and rich caramelization, look for high-quality barbecue sauce with balanced flavor profile.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add color and bright finish to the dish, choose crisp and vibrant herbs for maximum flavor.

Cooking Drumsticks Until They’re Fall-Off-the-Bone

Step 1: Season the Drumsticks

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder

Massage the spices into the meat, ensuring every inch is well-covered.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• Barbecue sauce
• Olive oil
• Honey (optional)

Blend the ingredients until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Gently place the seasoned drumsticks into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4: Pour and Coat

Drizzle the prepared sauce over the drumsticks, turning them to ensure complete coverage.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 5-6 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Crisp Up the Skin

Turn on the broiler and transfer drumsticks to a baking sheet.

Brush with additional sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy and slightly charred.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the drumsticks.

Plate and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips for Crisp Skin from a Slow Cooker Finish

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adherence and crispy skin development.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with spices – coat each drumstick evenly for maximum flavor infusion and delicious results.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption, preventing undercooking.
• Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust barbecue sauce sweetness by experimenting with different brands or adding extra honey for personalized flavor profile.
• Crisp Carefully: Watch broiling closely to achieve golden-brown color without burning, rotating baking sheet for even charring.

How to Store and Heat Drumsticks Again

• Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap drumsticks tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place drumsticks in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Use medium power, heat in 30-second intervals. Drizzle extra sauce to maintain moisture. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

Great Pairings for These Tender Drumsticks

• Whip up a zesty coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the rich, sweet barbecue chicken, balancing flavors and adding crunch.
• Serve warm, buttery cornbread alongside drumsticks to soak up extra sauce and provide a comforting, slightly sweet counterpoint.
• Select a chilled, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to refresh the palate and enhance the chicken's smoky-sweet profile.
• Add simple roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots to introduce earthy notes that contrast the drumsticks' sweet and savory glaze.

Drumstick Variants Worth Exploring

• Low-Carb Drumsticks: Replace barbecue sauce with sugar-free tomato sauce and sugar-free honey alternative, using low-carb spices like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Herb Drumsticks: Swap barbecue sauce with hot sauce, add dried herbs like thyme and rosemary, and include red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Replace barbecue sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs for Slow Cooker Drumsticks

• Can I use frozen drumsticks?

No, always thaw chicken completely before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Frozen meat can create unsafe temperature zones in the slow cooker.

• What if I don't have barbecue sauce?

You can substitute with ketchup mixed with some brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or make a quick homemade BBQ sauce using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick. Juices should run clear, not pink.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can season the drumsticks and prepare the sauce the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine and start slow cooking.

Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker drumsticks promise a flavor-packed journey through tender, juicy chicken perfection. Minimal prep and maximum taste make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion that will delight hungry families and chicken enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken drumsticks (about 10–12 pieces)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Oils:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (or buffalo, teriyaki, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse chicken drumsticks, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels for optimal seasoning adhesion.
2. Generously coat drumsticks with a robust blend of aromatic spices, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Arrange seasoned drumsticks carefully inside the slow cooker, positioning them to maximize heat circulation.
4. Create a luscious glaze by whisking together tangy barbecue sauce, rich olive oil, and golden honey until smoothly integrated.
5. Cascade the prepared sauce over drumsticks, gently rotating to guarantee comprehensive coating and flavor penetration.
6. Secure slow cooker lid and allow drumsticks to simmer on low temperature setting for approximately 5-6 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours.
7. Verify internal chicken temperature reaches safe consumption level and meat exhibits tender, falling-off-the-bone texture.
8. For enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast, transfer cooked drumsticks onto lined baking sheet.
9. Activate broiler and position rack close to heating element, brushing drumsticks with additional sauce to encourage caramelization.
10. Monitor drumsticks during broiling process, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior with delicate charred edges.
11. Elegantly plate drumsticks and sprinkle freshly chopped herbaceous green onions or parsley for vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure drumsticks are completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum flavor absorption and better skin texture.
• Customize spice blend by experimenting with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
• For healthier version, use low-sugar barbecue sauce or homemade sauce with reduced sugar content.
• Create gluten-free option by selecting certified gluten-free barbecue sauce and checking all seasoning ingredients for potential gluten contamination.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg