Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
5 hrs
-
Total Time
5 hrs 10 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
523 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Description
The Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe infuses bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks with a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce made from ketchup, fresh orange juice, dark brown sugar, red wine vinegar, honey, and seasonings. The chicken cooks slowly on low in the crockpot for 5 to 6 hours until it reaches a safe temperature and becomes tender. After cooking, a portion of the BBQ liquid is boiled down with cornstarch to create a thickened sauce that can be tossed with the drumsticks, coating them with a glossy finish.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors from the citrus and spices to fully permeate the meat. The sauce balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and honey with acidity from vinegar and orange juice gives the chicken a flavorful glaze. This method requires minimal active preparation and hands-off cooking time, ideal for busy cooks.
Bring the drumsticks to the table plated with some of the sauce spooned over. These chicken drumsticks pair well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or rice to soak up the barbecue sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for convenient meals later.
Take advantage of the coating technique at the end to control the sauce thickness and consistency. Make sure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F before serving to ensure food safety.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumstick bone-in, skin-on
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup orange juice from 1-2 oranges, fresh
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ¼ cup water
- 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large crockpot set on low heat.
- In a small bowl, stir together all the sauce ingredients.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, using a spoon to make sure all the chicken is coated.
- Cook for 5-6 hours on low, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- After the chicken is cooked, you can serve it as is or take 2 cups of the leftover BBQ sauce/cooking liquid and heat it in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until it's thickened to your liking.
- Toss the thickened sauce with the drumsticks and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- After cooking, thickening part of the sauce ensures a nicely coated, sticky finish on the drumsticks.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 523 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2drumsticks | |
| Calories | 523kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 139mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 865mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 554mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 512IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
You'll Also Love
