Easy & Flavorful Crock Pot Chicken Legs Recipe
Crock Pot Chicken Legs are an easy, flavorful way to get a satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort.
If you love simple and delicious chicken recipes, you won’t want to miss this one, they’re slow cooked to perfection, soaking up all the seasoning and falling right off the bone.
Whether you’re looking for a stress-free weeknight dinner or something to meal prep for the week, this recipe delivers.
Plus, you can customize the flavors with your favorite sauces or dry rubs, making it perfect for any craving.
Before you get started, make sure to print the recipe card at the bottom of the page so you have everything handy. It’s always easier when you gather all your ingredients first—no last-minute scrambling!
First, rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix up your spice rub with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Spray your crock pot with cooking spray, then lay the chicken legs inside in a single layer.
Sprinkle on the seasoning, using tongs to coat each piece evenly. Next, pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
Add in ½ cup of water (or chicken broth) to keep everything moist.
Pop the lid on and let your crock pot do the work — cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Chicken legs should cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours in the crock pot. The meat is ready when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, but adding a little liquid helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out. If your chicken has skin, the fat will render down and create some natural juices. However, for the best results, adding ½ cup of water or broth ensures the meat stays tender.
Cooking on low is best for juicy, tender chicken that easily falls off the bone. High heat works if you’re short on time, but low heat allows the flavors to develop better and prevents the meat from drying out. If you have time, go with low for the best texture.
What to Serve with Chicken Legs in the Crock Pot?
Here are some great side dishes to try!
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato salad
- Mashed Potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread Muffins
- Caesar Salad
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Small (1-3 quart), 5 Count
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, CharcoalHINMAY Small Silicone Tongs 7-Inch Mini Serving Tongs, Set of 3 (Black Gray White)Summer Slow Cooker Recipe Book
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.
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