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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry to optimize seasoning absorption and achieve ideal surface texture for cooking.
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat drumsticks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution across each piece.
- Sauce Creation: Combine barbecue sauce, honey, and olive oil into a smooth, glossy marinade that will envelop the chicken with rich, complex flavors.
- Slow Cooking: Arrange drumsticks inside crock pot without overcrowding, then pour sauce evenly over meat, covering each piece completely for maximum flavor infusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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