The Juiciest Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Ever Made

Juicy and tender crock pot chicken drumsticks promise a delightful meal that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering feast packed with incredible flavor.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction when you let your kitchen appliance work its magic.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free with this simple and delicious approach to preparing protein-rich meals.

Seasoned perfectly and falling off the bone, these drumsticks will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy skin and succulent meat await you with this foolproof recipe that guarantees a memorable dining experience.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create such a crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and joy to the table.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks: The Comfort Food You Crave

• Toss ingredients in the crock pot and let it work its magic, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Combine sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce with savory spices to create a mouthwatering chicken dish that'll impress the whole family.
• Using a single cooking appliance means fewer dishes to wash, saving you time and energy after enjoying a delicious meal.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Everything Needed for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Tender meat cuts that provide the main protein base for this slow-cooked dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice combination that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• BBQ Sauce, Honey: Sweet and tangy sauce mixture that creates a rich glaze and caramelizes during slow cooking, providing a delicious coating for the drumsticks.

Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in Your Crock Pot: Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Rinse chicken drumsticks under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels.

This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures better seasoning absorption.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently toss the drumsticks in the seasoning blend, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Add Sweet and Tangy Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Honey

Pour the sauce over the seasoned drumsticks, ensuring they are completely covered with the delicious glaze.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Carefully arrange the sauced drumsticks inside the slow cooker.

• Low setting: Cook for 6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3 hours

The chicken will become tender, juicy, and infused with rich flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a serving platter.

Drizzle the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top for extra moisture and flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone enjoy this mouthwatering meal.

Drumstick Tips for Crock Pot Cooking Perfection

• Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Create a robust marinade by using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for more intense, authentic taste.
• Add honey and BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking to prevent sauce from burning and maintain rich, caramelized flavor.
• If sauce seems thin after cooking, transfer liquid to a saucepan and reduce over medium heat for a thicker, more concentrated glaze.
• Replace traditional BBQ sauce with homemade sugar-free version or use low-sodium alternatives for a lighter, heart-friendly meal.

Best Storage and Reheating for Crock Pot Drumsticks

• Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual drumsticks in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Place drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to reach 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange drumsticks in a baking dish, splash extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the rich, sweet BBQ chicken, balancing flavors and adding refreshing crunch.
• Match with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery potatoes complement the saucy drumsticks, soaking up the delicious BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Serve with Chilled Craft Beer: A hoppy, light beer like pale ale cleanses the palate and enhances the smoky-sweet chicken flavors.
• Complement with Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings a sweet, charred element that highlights the BBQ sauce's caramelized notes.

New Flavors to Try for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• Spicy Chili Lime Drumsticks: Replace BBQ sauce with a mix of chili sauce, lime juice, and zest for a tangy, hot flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Herb Drumsticks: Swap honey and BBQ sauce with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and a splash of chicken broth for a keto-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Asian-Inspired Drumsticks: Use gluten-free soy sauce, ginger, and honey instead of traditional BBQ sauce for a wheat-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Drumsticks: Substitute seasonings with oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil for a light, Mediterranean-style chicken dish perfect for those seeking a different taste.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the drumstick. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe?

It’s not recommended. Thaw chicken completely before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent bacterial growth. Always defrost in the refrigerator for food safety.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a sauce you enjoy, but a smoky or slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the honey nicely. Avoid extremely spicy sauces that might overpower the chicken’s flavor.

• Do I need to prep the crock pot before adding chicken?

Lightly spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step helps avoid difficult cleaning afterward.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Saucy crock pot chicken drumsticks deliver pure comfort on a plate, blending Mediterranean herbs with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Slow-cooked perfection brings family and friends together, promising a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 10–12 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2.5 pounds / 1.1 kilograms)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the chicken drumsticks under cool running water, then meticulously dry using paper towels to ensure crisp seasoning adherence.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing container.
3. Gently massage the seasoning mixture into each drumstick, ensuring complete and even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Craft a luscious glaze by combining tangy BBQ sauce with golden honey in a separate mixing bowl, stirring until perfectly integrated.
5. Generously drench the seasoned drumsticks with the honey-BBQ mixture, coating each piece thoroughly for rich caramelization.
6. Carefully position the sauced drumsticks inside the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer to promote uniform cooking.
7. Set the crock pot to low temperature and allow drumsticks to slow-cook for approximately 6 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 3 hours until meat becomes tender and easily separates from the bone.
8. Once cooking is complete, transfer drumsticks to a serving platter and lavishly drizzle remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a succulent and deeply seasoned chicken dish perfect for family dining.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Marinate drumsticks beforehand for deeper flavor penetration if time allows, using the same seasoning mix.
• Consider using low-sodium BBQ sauce for a healthier version, especially for those monitoring salt intake.
• For gluten-free adaptation, select a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg