Slow Cooker Chicken Legs – Easy BBQ Drumsticks

These Slow Cooker Chicken Legs are tender, flavorful, and only take a few minutes of prep time. A family-friendly, budget-friendly dinner with simple ingredients and sticky BBQ sauce!

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, but my mom sure knew how to stretch a dollar and still make dinner feel special. Chicken legs were one of those budget-friendly staples we had all the time. She made them so many ways, but BBQ chicken legs were always my favorite—sticky, sweet, and fall-off-the-bone tender.

Now that I’ve got a family of my own (with plenty of hungry mouths to feed), slow cooker chicken drumsticks have become one of my go-to meals. This slow cooker chicken legs recipe uses simple ingredients, just minutes of prep time, and the rest of the work happens while you get on with your day. Whether you’re feeding the entire family on a busy weeknight or need an easy crowd pleaser for game day or a backyard BBQ, this is a delicious meal you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crock pot chicken legs:

• 6 chicken legs – bone-in drumsticks, chicken quarters, or you can also use chicken thighs.

• 1 tsp seasoned salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ⅓ cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own! I love a smoky, sweet blend for these.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Spice Rub – In a small bowl, combine seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika.
2. Season the Chicken – Pat your raw chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix into each piece of chicken until fully coated on all sides.
3. Add to the Crock Pot – Place the seasoned chicken pieces into your slow cooker. Just stack them in there without crowding them too tightly. Brush each piece with BBQ sauce.
4. Cook Low and Slow – Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Remove and baste with more BBQ sauce before serving.
6. Crisp It Up (Optional) – Want sticky, crispy BBQ legs? Place them on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes. Don’t walk away, though, because they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Flavor Variations to Try

This slow cooker chicken drumsticks recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some of our favorite ways to switch things up:

• Honey Garlic: Swap BBQ sauce for honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

• Spicy Buffalo: Use buffalo wing sauce instead of barbecue.

• Lemon Herb: Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary with a lemon-garlic marinade.

• Asian-Inspired: Add hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of ground ginger.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

These slow cooker drumsticks go with just about everything. Try pairing them with:

• Red potatoes tossed in olive oil and roasted with garlic.

• Brown rice or white rice to soak up all that leftover sauce.

• Air-fried broccoli or green beans make a complete meal.

• Cornbread or coleslaw for a true southern-style dinner.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: Mix your spice rub the night before and store it in the fridge. You can even season the chicken and let it marinate overnight in a freezer-safe bag!
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer Option: Let them cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of the leftover sauce.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

Can I use frozen chicken legs in the slow cooker?

For best results, thaw your drumsticks first. Starting with frozen chicken can affect the cooking time and safety.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on slow cooker chicken legs?

After slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes. Don’t walk away—watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Can I cook vegetables with the chicken?

Yes! Add hearty veggies like carrots or red potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker under the chicken for a one-pot dinner.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for 10–12 minutes with a natural release. Use the sauté function to reduce the sauce afterward if needed.

Crockpot Chicken Legs: An Easy Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will actually look forward to, these slow cooker chicken legs are it. They’re simple, affordable, and packed with bold barbecue flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious way to bring everyone to the table—no fuss, no stress. It’s comfort food that goes a long way, and I hope it becomes one of your favorite recipes too!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Legs – Easy BBQ Drumsticks

Melisha Kreppein

These Slow Cooker Chicken Legs are tender, flavorful, and slathered in BBQ sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and hardly any prep, this easy weeknight dinner is a budget-friendly favorite your whole family will love.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Course Chicken Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 307 kcal

Equipment

• slow cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 chicken legs
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce your favorite kind!

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Instructions

 

• Make the Spice Rub – In a small bowl, combine seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika.
• Season the Chicken – Pat your raw chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix into each piece of chicken until fully coated on all sides.
• Add to the Crock Pot – Place the seasoned chicken pieces into your slow cooker. Just stack them in there without crowding them too tightly. Brush each piece with BBQ sauce.
• Cook Low and Slow – Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove and baste with more BBQ sauce before serving.
• Crisp It Up (Optional) – Want sticky, crispy BBQ legs? Place them on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes. Don’t walk away, though, because they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Notes

Leftover chicken legs? 

Shred the meat and use it in tacos, wraps, stir fry, or even on top of a salad the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 21gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 663mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 315IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

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