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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse chicken drumsticks, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels for optimal seasoning adhesion.
- Generously coat drumsticks with a robust blend of aromatic spices, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Arrange seasoned drumsticks carefully inside the slow cooker, positioning them to maximize heat circulation.
- Create a luscious glaze by whisking together tangy barbecue sauce, rich olive oil, and golden honey until smoothly integrated.
- Cascade the prepared sauce over drumsticks, gently rotating to guarantee comprehensive coating and flavor penetration.
- 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.
- Verify internal chicken temperature reaches safe consumption level and meat exhibits tender, falling-off-the-bone texture.
- For enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast, transfer cooked drumsticks onto lined baking sheet.
- Activate broiler and position rack close to heating element, brushing drumsticks with additional sauce to encourage caramelization.
- Monitor drumsticks during broiling process, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior with delicate charred edges.
- 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