Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
These 3-ingredient Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Legs have so much flavor with minimal prep time. Use your favorite spice rub and store-bought barbecue sauce to make a dinner recipe that everyone will think you spent hours making!
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 249kcal
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken legs
- 2-4 tablespoons barbecue seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Season chicken legs generously on all sides with barbecue seasoning.
- Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray or insert a slow cooker liner.
- Pour half of the barbecue sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread evenly.
- Place the seasoned meat in the slow cooker in one layer.
- Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the meat, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, high heat for 2 1/2-3 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the protein is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to an aluminum foil lined sheet pan. Turn the oven on broil.
- While the oven heats up, carefully pour the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a small skillet. On the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the liquid thickens and reduces by half.
- Brush half of the thickened sauce over the cooked chicken legs.
- Broil the legs for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken skin are starting to brown.
- Transfer the legs to a serving platter and serve the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
Storage Notes:
Refrigerate the chicken legs in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300ºF oven until warmed through (5 to 10 minutes) or microwave for a couple of minutes until hot as well.
It's best to freeze the chicken by taking all of the meat off of the bone. Shred the meat, then place into a ziptop bag or freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour or so.
Recipe Tips:
- Make Your Own BBQ Rub. With spices you have on hand, make a quick and easy version by combining chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper for a tasty homemade BBQ spice rub full of flavor. Store in your spice rack and use on other meats and fish.
- Use Homemade BBQ Sauce. Try making your own version of this sweet and tangy condiment - simply combine pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, spices and seasonings (NAME THESE?) for an easy homemade take on this favorite sauce. Store in your fridge in an airtight container and use on countless other barbecue favorites!
- Use Other Types of Chicken. Chicken is so versatile - try using boneless-skinless thighs or breasts and shred for pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches. Or use drumsticks or bone-in skin-on breasts. You can even try this recipe with chicken wings for a delicious and saucy appetizer.
Nutrition
Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 277mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
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