Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Description

This Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a simple, hands-off way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone juicy, while the seasonings infuse deep, rich flavors. Perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe requires just a few minutes of prep time and then lets your slow cooker do all the work.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• 8–10 chicken drumsticks (about 2–2.5 lbs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or preferred glaze

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the drumsticks – Pat chicken dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick and skin crisp later.

2. Season – In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Layer in the crock pot – Arrange drumsticks in a single layer or slightly overlapping in your slow cooker.

4. Add sauce – Pour BBQ or teriyaki sauce over chicken and toss gently to coat.

5. Cook – Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is tender.

6. Optional crisping – For crispy skin, transfer cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.

7. Serve – Garnish as desired and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.

Notes

• Bone-in drumsticks stay juicier than boneless cuts in slow cooking.

• You can use homemade sauces for more control over sugar/salt content.

• If using frozen drumsticks, thaw first for even cooking.

• The broiling step makes a big difference for texture.

Tips

• Flavor Boost: Marinate drumsticks overnight in the sauce for even richer flavor.

• Low-Sodium Option: Choose reduced-sodium sauces and seasonings.

• Extra Sticky Glaze: After cooking, brush on extra sauce and broil before serving.

• Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Servings

• Makes 4–5 servings (about 2 drumsticks per serving).

Nutritional Info (Per serving, based on 5 servings & BBQ sauce)

• Calories: ~265

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugars: 7g

• Sodium: ~450mg

Benefits

• High Protein – Supports muscle repair and satiety.

• Hands-Off Cooking – Minimal kitchen time required.

• Family-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.

• Customizable – Works with multiple flavor profiles (honey garlic, lemon herb, teriyaki, spicy BBQ).

Q & A

Q1: Can I cook drumsticks without sauce?
A: Yes, you can season with dry spices and add sauce only at the end or skip sauce entirely for a roasted flavor.

Q2: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Cook on Low and avoid overcooking. Using skin-on drumsticks also locks in moisture.

Q3: Can I mix drumsticks with other chicken parts?
A: Yes, but cooking times may vary. Thighs cook similarly, but breasts may need less time.

Q4: Can I make this spicy?
A: Absolutely—add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the seasoning or sauce.

Q5: What side dishes go best with this?
A: Mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or garlic bread pair beautifully.