Juicy Succulent Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Everyone Loves

Chicken drumsticks dancing in a slow cooker create magic for hungry families seeking a hassle-free meal.

These tender crock pot chicken drumsticks promise a flavor explosion that will make everyone at the dinner table cheer.

Juicy meat falls right off the bone, seasoned with a perfect blend of spices that tantalize taste buds.

The crockpot method ensures maximum flavor and minimal effort, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.

Herbs and simple ingredients transform these drumsticks into a mouthwatering dish that requires almost no kitchen skills.

Minimal prep and maximum satisfaction await you with this foolproof recipe that guarantees delicious results every single time.

Prepare to savor each succulent bite of these irresistible drumsticks that will become a new family favorite.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Drumsticks

• Flavor Burst Pairing: Serve these juicy drumsticks with creamy coleslaw or tangy potato salad to balance the rich, sweet barbecue sauce. The cool, crisp side dish will complement the warm, tender chicken perfectly.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Transform these drumsticks into a complete meal by adding roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts directly on the baking sheet during the optional crispy skin step. One-pan convenience meets delicious nutrition.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a casual dinner spread by arranging the drumsticks on a large platter, surrounded by warm cornbread, pickles, and a variety of dipping sauces. Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy a relaxed, communal meal experience.
• Leftover Magic: Shred any remaining chicken and use it in tacos, salads, or sandwiches the next day. The flavorful meat will add instant deliciousness to quick lunches or next-day meals without any extra cooking effort.

Saving and Storing Chicken Drumsticks the Smart Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover drumsticks in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual drumsticks in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness and avoid mystery meals.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated drumsticks in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy skin and prevent rubbery texture.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare drumsticks in advance and portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. Pair with easy sides like steamed vegetables or quick-cooking grains for effortless, nutritious meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Use in Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Tender meat perfect for slow cooking, choose fresh, plump drumsticks with smooth skin and no discoloration.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps season meat thoroughly.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertone to complement chicken's richness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic background flavor without fresh garlic's intensity.
• Onion Powder: Introduces subtle sweet and savory notes to chicken seasoning.
• Paprika: Delivers mild, sweet pepper essence and beautiful reddish color.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that brings rich, smoky complexity to drumsticks.

• Barbecue Sauce: Provides tangy, sweet base that caramelizes during cooking.
• Honey: Optional sweetener that creates gorgeous glossy finish and balances sauce's tanginess.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute sauce evenly and prevents chicken from sticking.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean finishing touch.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional crunchy topping that introduces nutty dimension.
• Mashed Potatoes: Classic side dish to complement chicken's rich flavor.
• Rice: Versatile accompaniment that absorbs delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Light, crisp counterpoint to hearty drumsticks.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Chicken Drumsticks

• Crock Pot: Essential for slow-cooking chicken drumsticks to tender perfection.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing barbecue sauce, honey, and olive oil.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for optional broiling step to crisp chicken skin.
• Foil: Lines baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat chicken drumsticks dry before seasoning.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and transferring chicken during cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly spread barbecue sauce during broiling stage.

Cook Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks with Confidence

• Prepare Chicken Drumsticks

Grab paper towels and gently dry the drumsticks. Sprinkle a delicious blend of seasonings all over the meat, making sure each piece gets an even coating of flavor.

• Create Tasty Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, and olive oil until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

• Load the Slow Cooker

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks inside the crock pot, stacking them carefully. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a nice, juicy bath.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s super tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Optional Crispy Finish

Want extra crunch? Move the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with extra sauce and pop under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the skin gets delightfully crispy.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, then plate with your favorite sides. Get ready for a mouth-watering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Flavor Tips for Chicken Drumsticks in the Crock Pot

• Slow Cooker Savvy: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F (74C) for perfectly cooked drumsticks.
• Skin Crispiness Hack: Broiling the drumsticks after slow cooking creates a delightful caramelized exterior without drying out the tender meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the seasoned drumsticks and sauce mixture the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free barbecue sauce. Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative or use coconut aminos instead of traditional sauces.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or Mexican-inspired spices to transform the basic recipe into a global taste experience.

Succulent Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty crock pot chicken drumsticks showcase tender meat infused with rich Mediterranean flavors. Slow-cooked drumsticks deliver a comforting meal you’ll savor with simple ingredients and minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken drumsticks (about 8–10 pieces)
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) bbq sauce
• ¼ cup (59 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• chopped parsley (garnish)
• sesame seeds (garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry to optimize seasoning absorption and achieve ideal surface texture for cooking.
2. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat drumsticks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution across each piece.
3. Sauce Creation: Combine barbecue sauce, honey, and olive oil into a smooth, glossy marinade that will envelop the chicken with rich, complex flavors.
4. Slow Cooking: Arrange drumsticks inside crock pot without overcrowding, then pour sauce evenly over meat, covering each piece completely for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and reach safe internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Finishing Technique: Transfer cooked drumsticks to foil-lined baking sheet, generously brush with extra barbecue sauce, and broil at 425°F for 3-5 minutes to create a caramelized, crispy exterior.
7. Serving: Plate drumsticks garnished with fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds, accompanied by complementary side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or garden salad.

Notes

• Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin and better flavor absorption.
• Optimize Spice Distribution: Massage seasoning blend thoroughly into drumsticks, covering every surface for maximum taste penetration.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat.
• Enhance Caramelization: Finish drumsticks under broiler briefly to create a golden, slightly charred exterior that adds incredible depth and texture to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg