Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
323 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
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.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken drumstick
- 2 tablespoons bbq spice rub
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce divided use
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Rub the BBQ spice all over the drumsticks, then place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers.
- Pour 2 cups of BBQ sauce into the slow cooker. Gently toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Remove the chicken drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them in a single layer on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.