Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

This Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a tender and flavorful dish, which uses BBQ spice rub and your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 5 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
• 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, divided use
• Cooking spray

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Season the drumsticks: Rub the BBQ spice rub evenly over the chicken drumsticks.
3. Layer and sauce: Place the drumsticks in the slow cooker in layers. Pour in 2 cups of BBQ sauce and gently toss to coat.
4. Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Crisp under broiler: Preheat the broiler. Remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
6. Add sauce and broil: Brush the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce over the drumsticks. Broil for 3–5 minutes, until the edges start to brown and crisp.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep drumsticks moist: Leave the skin on—it helps seal in moisture during slow cooking.
• Can I use frozen drumsticks? Thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
• Best BBQ sauce to use: Choose a thick, sweet or smoky style BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
• Can I skip the broiling step? You can, but broiling gives the drumsticks a crispier texture and deeper flavor.
• How to tell when drumsticks are done: Use a meat thermometer—internal temp should be 165°F.

What To Serve With Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks pair well with classic comfort sides:

• Baked macaroni and cheese
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Roasted or mashed potatoes

How To Store Chicken Drumsticks

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked drumsticks in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.

Chicken Drumsticks Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 323kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 139mg
• Sodium: 647mg
• Potassium: 449mg
• Sugar: 15g
• Calcium: 31mg
• Iron: 1.3mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, bone-in thighs or wings can work, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to brown the drumsticks first?
No searing is needed—slow cooking and broiling provide flavor and texture.

Can I make these spicy?
Add cayenne pepper to the rub or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Why are my drumsticks watery?
Avoid overcrowding and use a thick BBQ sauce to prevent excess moisture.

Can I cook this on low overnight?
Yes, but be sure the slow cooker switches to warm to prevent overcooking.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken Gyro Bowls
• Crock Pot Chicken Greek
• Crock Pot Chicken Florentine

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

6

hours 

Calories

323

kcal

Juicy and saucy slow-cooked BBQ chicken drumsticks finished under the broiler for the perfect crisp.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
  

• 2 tbsp BBQ spice rub
  

• 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (divided)
  

• Cooking spray

Directions

• Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray.
  
• Rub drumsticks with BBQ spice rub.
  
• Place in slow cooker in layers and pour in 2 cups BBQ sauce. Toss to coat.
  
• Cover and cook on LOW 5–6 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
  
• Preheat broiler. Place drumsticks on sprayed sheet pan.
• Brush with remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and broil 3–5 minutes until edges crisp.