Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks recipe offers tender and flavorful chicken slow-cooked to perfection with a smoky paprika and cumin rub, finished under the broiler with a luscious BBQ sauce glaze to achieve a delightfully crispy exterior. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 3 lbs chicken drumsticks

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, and garlic salt, stirring well to mix all the spices evenly for a flavorful rub.
  2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken drumsticks, rubbing it thoroughly all over the skin to ensure even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker in a single layer to facilitate even cooking.
  4. Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 cup of the BBQ sauce over the chicken drumsticks, coating them well to infuse them with sweetness and tanginess during cooking.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the drumsticks are tender and cooked through. Alternatively, cook on high for a shorter time but adjust accordingly.
  6. Prepare for Broiling: Once cooked, transfer the chicken drumsticks onto a cookie sheet lined with foil and lightly coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate crispy skin.
  7. First Broil and Sauce Coat: Brush half of the remaining BBQ sauce on the drumsticks. Broil in the oven for 1 to 5 minutes, watching closely until the skin begins to brown and crisp up.
  8. Flip and Broil Again: Remove the chicken from the broiler, flip each drumstick, and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for an additional 1 to 5 minutes until the other side is browned and caramelized.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the chicken drumsticks hot for the best taste and texture. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe is adaptable: use chicken breasts or regular legs if desired by adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Using skin-on chicken drumsticks is recommended to achieve crispy skin and prevent drying.
  • Watch the broiling step carefully as the chicken can brown quickly to avoid burning.
  • Try variations such as adding chopped jalapeños for spice or mixing in honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
  • You can omit BBQ sauce and instead season with onion powder, Italian seasoning, or soy sauce for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 drumstick
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://jessicasrecipes.com/crockpot-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/