Easiest Slow Cooker Drumsticks (4-Ingredients!)
Get succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat with almost zero effort with this easy slow cooker drumsticks recipe that just uses 4 ingredients! It’s a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd for parties, game day and more.
5 star review
““These are incredible” “We need to make these all the time” – my husband”
– Lauren
Visual Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Drumsticks
Testing Notes from Robyn
Say hello to the ultimate dump-and-go slow cooker recipe!
Crispy, tender, and slightly sweet and spicy, these BBQ chicken drumsticks have become a weekly staple in our household because they are so delicious, budget-friendly and wildly easy!
As a habits expert, I’m always trying to streamline dinner recipes that are high in protein, great for meal prep, and perfect for busy school or sports nights; and this recipe ticks all those boxes (similar to my slow cooker bbq chicken, which uses chicken breasts or thighs).
Similar to my slow cooker flank steak, these crockpot drumsticks just use a simple spice rub and some BBQ sauce (I love to use my chipotle BBQ sauce but store bought works just as well), and then the crockpot does the rest of the work — no extra liquid required!
The slow cooker does wonders at producing the most flavorful and tender drumsticks, and an optional quick broil at the end gives that crispy, caramelized skin we all love.
Just keep an eye on the drumsticks under the broiler since they can burn quickly (don’t ask me how I know–lol).
Pair this dump and go slow cooker recipe with a simple side dish like Mexican slaw for an easy weeknight dinner, or make a big batch for hosting a large group.
Why Use the Slow Cooker for Drumsticks
The slow cooker is honestly the best way to cook drumsticks in my opinion, and here’s why…
First of all, it makes the process is just so simple.
Just toss the meat with the seasoning, add the meat and BBQ sauce to the crock pot, let the crock pot do the work while you check things off your to-do list, and then finish off the drumsticks in the broiler (which is totally optional).
You don’t even need to chop a single ingredient!
You can even make it ahead of time and let it hold on warm until you’re ready to eat.
In addition, the slow cooker allows the meat to get fall-off-the-bone tender and to really absorb all the flavors.
The ingredient list is short (hello 5-ingredient slow cooker recipe!), but the flavor and texture with the slow cooker is outstanding!
Also, this is one of my favorite recipes for when I’m feeding a crowd or have people coming and going at dinner time, because everyone loves it and it can easily be kept warm in the slow cooker after cooking.
How to Make This Recipe Easier
If you want to make this recipe even easier, just skip the broiler step.
You will still get very tender and flavorful drumsticks, but not the crispy skin.
Also, while I love my homemade chipotle BBQ sauce, you can totally use a store bought sauce to save time and effort as well.
Can You Use Chicken Wings?
Chicken wings actually work really well in this recipe!
Just reduce the cooking time to 1-3 hours on high or 2-4 hr on low.
For the broiler step, broil for 1-2 minutes per side and keep your eye on them as they can burn easily.
How to Double or Half the Recipe
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner for your family. You may just need to adjust the cooking time.
For halving the recipe, go for the short end of the cooking range and even check 30 minutes early.
For doubling the recipe, add 30 minute increments to the cooking time as needed.
Can You Use Another Sauce?
Absolutely!
I always have a jar of homemade chipotle BBQ sauce in my fridge because I use it on everything (hello, slow cooker BBQ chicken), but my honey sriracha sauce or honey mustard marinade would be delicious as well.
Or you could use your favorite store-bought sauce.
This Recipe Is…
Easiest Slow Cooker Drumsticks (4-Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 2 teasoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
Equipment
Instructions
- Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and toss to coat. Pour over ½ cups of bbq sauce and smooth to cover the tops of the chicken legs.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
For Crispy Skin
- Carefully remove to a foil lined broiler safe pan. Discard the remaining cooking liquid, or strain and reserve for another use. Brush all sides of the chicken legs with remaining 1 cup bbq sauce, then broil on high for 2-4 minutes, flip, then broil an additional 2 minutes or until just starting to crisp, watching it carefully to avoid burning. *Trust me, don't walk away or the chicken will burn.
This is definitely going into rotation at our house. So easy and delicious. The only thing I did differently was use 5lbs of drumsticks but kept the other measurements the same. Perfection!
Yay, Julie, so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! Thanks for the tip on using more drumsticks, too, I’m sure that will help others. Thanks for leaving a reveiw!
Easy, flavorful, fall off the bone chicken. Served it with roasted veggies and a side salad. Will definitely be making it again!
Wonderful to hear you enjoyed this one! Thanks so much for leaving a review!
“These are incredible” “We need to make these all the time” – my husband
Lauren, love it when such an easy recipe is such a hit! Thanks so much for sharing your review!