Looking for an easy dinner idea? Learn how to make tender and flavorful crock pot chicken legs with our simple recipe. Slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks are perfect for busy weeknights!
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook chicken, look no further than the crock pot. Crockpot chicken legs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Slow cooking is perfect for chicken legs, which creates fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy with minimal effort. And when you add BBQ flavor to the mix, you have an easy crockpot recipe that’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Crockpot BBQ Drumsticks are the perfect main dish for any backyard barbecue, on game day, for a picnic, potluck or even as a busy weeknight dinner.
Can you cook chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker with just some basic ingredients.
Preparing Crockpot BBQ chicken drumsticks is a breeze with this simple recipe that uses a slow cooker. It’s a great option for those who prefer a quick and convenient way of cooking delicious meals. All you have to do is season the drumsticks, put them in the slow cooker, and let them cook to perfection.
Give this slow cooker chicken drumsticks recipe a try the next time you need an easy recipe for the perfect dinner!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Legs in the Crock Pot
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs chicken legs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce (store bought or homemade bbq sauce)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl make the spice rub.
Spray the crock pot with cooking spray.
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken, using tongs or your hands to rotate the chicken to coat completely.
Pour the cup BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the chicken legs to completely coat the chicken legs.
Pour in about 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the chicken legs on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Makes approximately 12-16 juicy chicken drumsticks. Serve with remaining BBQ sauce.
The best way to store leftover slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks n is in an airtight container.
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What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
Here are some side dish ideas that would pair well with slow cooker BBQ chicken legs:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato salad
- Mashed Potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread Muffins
- Caesar Salad
Helpful Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in crockpot?
It’s generally recommended to cook chicken on the low setting in a crockpot rather than on high. Cooking chicken on low allows it to cook more slowly and evenly, resulting in more tender and juicy meat. Cooking on high can lead to faster cooking, but it may also result in tougher or drier chicken, especially if overcooked. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high can be an option, but be sure to monitor the chicken closely to prevent overcooking.
What size crock pot do I need to cook chicken legs?
The size of the crock pot you need to cook chicken legs depends on how many chicken legs you plan to cook at once. As a general guideline, a 4-quart crock pot should be sufficient for cooking about 4 to 6 chicken legs. If you’re cooking a larger batch, you may need a larger crock pot, such as a 6-quart or 8-quart size. Just make sure there’s enough space for the chicken legs to cook evenly without overcrowding the pot.
How long does it take to cook BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot?
It is recommended to cook chicken legs in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Do I need to brown the chicken legs before putting them in the crockpot?
While browning the chicken legs beforehand can add extra flavor, it is not necessary. You can put the chicken legs directly in the crockpot without browning them.
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken legs for this recipe. Thaw the chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the crockpot.
Can you put raw chicken in a crock pot?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken in a crock pot, but it’s important to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs or chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
crock pot bbq chicken legs
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs chicken legs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce (store bought or homemade bbq sauce)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
In a small bowl make the spice rub.
Spray the crock pot with cooking spray.
Place chicken legs in even layers in your crockpot.
Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken, using tongs or your hands to rotate the chicken to coat completely.
Pour the cup BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the chicken legs to completely coat the chicken legs.
Add the 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the crockpot.
Set the crockpot to low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, cooking chicken until tender and falling off the bone.
Serve with remaining BBQ sauce.
Notes
Helpful Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
How long does it take to cook BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot?
It is recommended to cook chicken legs in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Do I need to brown the chicken legs before putting them in the crockpot?
While browning the chicken legs beforehand can add extra flavor, it is not necessary. You can put the chicken legs directly in the crockpot without browning them.
Can I use frozen chicken legs?
It is not recommended to use frozen chicken legs for this recipe. Thaw the chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the crockpot.
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs or chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
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