Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

User Reviews

5

95 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    3 hrs

  • Total Time

    3 hrs 5 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    323 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks offer tender meat infused with BBQ spices and sauce, finished under the broiler for crispy edges. This recipe combines a slow cooking method to keep the chicken moist with a final broil to add texture. The balance of slow cooking and broiling provides efficient preparation with a pleasing contrast between juicy interior and crisp skin. It's useful for hands-off cooking when preparing a comforting meat dish with a smoky, tangy glaze.

Description

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks uses whole chicken drumsticks coated in a BBQ spice rub, layered in a slow cooker and simmered in BBQ sauce. The long slow cooking process softens the meat and melds flavors. After cooking, a brief broil crisps the drumstick edges and caramelizes the sauce, giving a slight char and texture contrast. This dual cooking method results in tender, flavorful chicken with a slightly crisp finish.

The BBQ spice rub and sauce add a smoky, savory flavor, layering complexity beyond plain chicken. The skin is left on to help retain juices during cooking, resulting in meat that stays moist and succulent. The final broil step also encourages a visually appealing appealing browned surface.

These drumsticks can be served as a main dish with sides like vegetables or rice. The hands-off slow cooker method suits meal prep or busy days, while finishing under the broiler adds quick texture enhancement just before serving.

Pay close attention when broiling the chicken, as the edges can brown quickly. Leaving the skin on helps prevent drying out. The combination of slow cooking and broiling ensures a tender yet crisp outcome that is manageable while providing layered flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 pounds chicken drumstick
  • 2 tablespoons bbq spice rub
  • 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce divided use
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Rub the BBQ spice all over the drumsticks, then place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers.
  3. Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce into the slow cooker. Gently toss to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Preheat the broiler.
  6. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them in a single layer on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.
  7. Brush the remaining 1/2 cup sauce over the drumsticks. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until edges are starting to brown and crisp, then serve.

Notes

  • Keep the skin on the drumsticks to prevent the meat from drying out during slow cooking.
  • Watch closely when broiling to crisp the edges without burning the chicken.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 323kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 19g (6%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 139mg (46%) Sodium 647mg (27%) Potassium 449mg (10%) Sugar 15g (30%) Vitamin A 175IU (4%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 31mg (3%) Iron 1.3mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 323 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 323kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 139mg 46%
Sodium 647mg 27%
Potassium 449mg 10%
Sugar 15g 30%
Vitamin A 175IU 4%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 31mg 3%
Iron 1.3mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

95 reviews
Excellent

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