Crock Pot Chicken Legs
User Reviews
4.9
Crock Pot Chicken Legs
Description
The recipe Crock Pot Chicken Legs begins by seasoning chicken legs with a rub containing sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and onion powder. The legs are placed in a slow cooker sprayed with non-stick spray and layered with a portion of BBQ sauce. The slow cooker gently cooks the meat for 3-6 hours depending on the heat setting, tenderizing it thoroughly.
After slow cooking, the legs are broiled briefly on a wire rack to crisp and caramelize the BBQ sauce around the edges, adding texture contrast and intensified flavor. The sauce applied before broiling is the remaining half of the BBQ sauce to enhance stickiness and glaze.
Once ready, the chicken legs can be served immediately, offering tender, slow-cooked meat balanced by a smoky and slightly spicy BBQ coating that clings well due to the broiling step. This preparation makes the dish flexible for everyday dinners or casual entertaining.
Notes emphasize ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F or juices run clear for doneness, adjustments for size or frozen legs, and storage guidance allowing leftovers in the fridge up to three days. Reheating can be done in a microwave or as desired.
Ingredients
Rub
- 1 tsp salt sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Chicken
- 4 lb chicken legs
- 2 c. BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients until completely mixed. Rub spice mixture over the chicken legs and then place them in the slow cooker in layers.
- Pour 1 c. of the BBQ sauce over the top of chicken legs. Gently toss to coat.
- Cook on low 5-6 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken legs are done cooking, preheat the broiler to high.
- Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet pan.
- Remove chicken drumsticks from the crock pot and place them on a wire rack. Brush the drumsticks with remaining BBQ sauce. Broil 3-5 minutes or until the edges are starting. Turn the chicken legs over, brush with remaining BBQ sauce and broil that side for 3-5 minutes or until the edges are starting.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Cooking times may vary depending on leg size; larger legs may require longer.
- Frozen chicken legs can be cooked by adding about one extra hour to the cooking time.
- Store cooked chicken legs in the refrigerator for two to three days; they can be reheated in the microwave or eaten cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1009mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 413mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 461IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
