Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
483 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
Description
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe brings together chicken drumsticks infused with a spice rub of brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Coated with honey and BBQ sauce, the chicken simmers gently in a slow cooker until tender. The final broiling step caramelizes the sauce and crisps the skin, adding texture contrast. The end result is juicy meat with a flavorful, slightly sticky coating that holds well on the drumsticks.
The seasoning mix balances sweetness from the brown sugar and honey with smoky and savory notes, while the BBQ sauce spreads that flavor evenly. Broiling carefully prevents burning while enhancing the appearance and crunch. This method is well suited for anyone aiming to simplify the cooking process without sacrificing a layered, rich BBQ taste.
The chicken legs work well served solo or alongside simple sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. The recipe allows some flexibility in BBQ sauce choice and seasoning adjustments, including optional hot spices for a kick.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three days in an airtight container. The recipe advises cautious monitoring during broiling to avoid burnt spots.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumstick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 cups BBQ sauce divided
Instructions
- Place all your drumsticks in your slow cooker.
- Mix the brown sugar, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cajun seasoning.
- Sprinkle the spice rub all over the chicken.
- Drizzle the honey all over the seasoned drumsticks.
- Pour 1 ½ cups of the bbq sauce into the slow cooker over the chicken. Make sure to save the other 1/2 cup for later.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Right before serving, place line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Take the chicken legs from the Crock Pot and put them on the sheet.
- Brush the drumsticks with the remaining BBQ sauce and broil under the broiler until they are caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn! Keep a close eye on them under the broiler. You just want to crisp them up a bit.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Use any BBQ sauce variety you prefer to customize the flavor profile.
- Adjust the seasonings as desired; for added heat, incorporate hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Watch the chicken closely during broiling to prevent burning and ensure caramelization.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 483 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 483kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 140mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 1143mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 598mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 51g | 102% |
| Vitamin A | 531IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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