Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Passaro · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Easy crock pot BBQ chicken drumsticks come together in the slow cooker in about 4 hours. You just need 4 ingredients, which is why this is a quick and pretty healthy family meal. Let’s slow cook drumsticks with massive flavor!

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (1)

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Table of Contents

Why my slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks are so great…

  • It’s easy to throw this recipe together at the last minute!
  • Great for meal planning.
  • They’re so tender!
  • Cheap dinner idea!! Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive meat option.
  • This crockpot BBQ recipe is made with just 4 ingredients.
  • You’ll learn my quick-sear technique (before slow cooking) to amp up the flavor.
  • Fast – chicken drumsticks are ready in the slow cooker in about 4 hours!
  • Newer home chefs: see my step by step video for beginners (scroll to bottom of page).

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for my bbq chicken drumsticks crock pot recipe.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (2)
  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Poultry seasoning (or any bbq rub – I used gifted Even Embers Rub & Grub Poultry Seasoning)
  • Olive oil
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Water

Other ingredients

Want to get creative? You can slow cook the chicken drumsticks with a little brown sugar, garlic or onion powder, a little honey, and/or a little spice like sriracha sauce.

You can also make your own honey cranberry BBQ sauce

If you’re going to use a handful of flavors, I suggest using a small bowl to combine them before adding them in.

Also see how to spatchco*ck chicken and how to make butterfly chicken drumsticks

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (3)

How to make bbq chicken drumsticks in crock pot

Now I’ll walk you through it…

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (4)

Quick look at recipe steps

  1. Season chicken drumsticks and sear them on the stove.
  2. Add drumsticks to crockpot.
  3. Add bbq sauce and water.
  4. Slow cook drumsticks on high.

See how to make smoked butterflied chicken legs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (5)

Detailed crock pot bbq chicken drumsticks recipe

  1. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Season chicken all over with poultry seasoning. I used (gifted) Evan Embers Rub & Grub (all purpose chicken seasoning rub).
  2. Prep to sear chicken before slow cooking. (thank me later! This helps them stay together, infuses them with flavor, and makes them look beautiful!) Heat a large pan on the stove to medium or medium high. Add olive oil. When oil is hot (begins to shine) add chicken drumsticks carefully, with tongs, as the oil may splatter.
  3. Sear chicken drumsticks in olive oil for a few minutes, turning regularly into lightly browned all over. Use tongs to help. They won’t completely cook through in this step. That’s what the crock pot is for.
  4. Set up a large crock pot on high. (Why? Well, when you cook them in a flat layer in a large crock pot, they may cook faster than in a smaller crock pot layered on top of each other. But you can use a small crock pot if that’s all you have.) Add seared / browned drumsticks to the slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce on top of chicken (I used Sweet Baby Rays). Add water. Now it’s time to cover and cook ‘em…
  5. Slow cook chicken drumsticks in the crock pot for about 4 hours on high, or until done. Check hourly if possible to make sure there is still liquid in the crock pot so the sauce doesn’t burn. If you smell burning bbq sauce, or there is no liquid left in the crock pot, add a little more water or chicken stock. Chicken drumsticks are done slow cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F (measured in the thickest part, not touching the bone). They should be falling off the bone.
  6. Serve slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks with extra bbq sauce if desired. We love these over rice, served with a side salad or roasted potatoes.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (6)

If you love this crock pot chicken drumstick recipe, you’ll love these recipes for boneless chicken thighs in oven, sous vide chicken thighs, and boneless smoked chicken thighs on Sip Bite Go.

Also try these sheet pan drumsticks.

Oh and don’t forget these easy sheet pan bbq chicken tacos for game day!

FAQs

What’s the difference between chicken legs vs. drumsticks?

Chicken “legs” refer to the entire leg of the chicken. This includes the drumstick and the thigh. Chicken drumsticks are just the half of the chicken leg. If you want to make bbq chicken legs out of this recipe, you definitely can. Just make sure the chicken is done cooking to 170 degrees F (measured in the thickest part, not touching the bone). Learn more in this safe chicken temperature guide.

How do you make chicken leg skin crispy after slow cooking it?

Here’s a simple hack… Preheat your broiler to high. Pat cooked chicken drumsticks dry from the moisture they got in the crock pot. Slather on a little bbq sauce and broil them until the skin firms up. They won’t be as crispy as air fryer chicken legs or fried chicken drumsticks, but they won’t be as soft as they are straight out of the crock pot. Use about 1-2 tbsp bbq sauce for 5 chicken drumsticks. Or ¼ cup bbq sauce for 10 chicken drumsticks.

What goes with slow cooked bbq chicken drumsticks?

I like whipping up a bed of rice on the stove or Instant Pot and serving it under crock pot chicken drumsticks. On the side I’ll add a seasonal salad recipe, a heaping pile of caramelized red onions to take with each bite, or smoked corn on the cob.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (7)

Are you a foodie, too?

Hey home chefs, hope that answers all your questions about making these easy crock pot bbq chicken drumsticks.

If you don’t follow me on instagram you totally should @sipbitego. And for more deliciousness, subscribe to the Sip Bite Go channel and see the Sip Bite Go recipe collection.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (8)

Slow Cooked Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe | Sip Bite Go

These easy crock pot BBQ chicken drumsticks come together in the slow cooker in about 4 hours. You just need 4 ingredients, which is why this is a quick and pretty healthy family meal. Let’s slow cook drumsticks with massive flavor!

**NOTE – This recipe makes a crockpot meal for 1. You can double, triple or quadruple the recipe depending on the size of your crockpot and the amount of servings you want.

5 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: BBQ

Keyword: crock pot bbq chicken drumsticks, Crock pot chicken drumsticks, crock pot chicken drumsticks bbq, Slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 people

Calories: 798kcal

Author: Jenna Passaro

Equipment

  • Even Embers Rub & Grub Poultry Seasoning (gifted)

Ingredients

  • 5 chicken drumsticks bone in, skin on (this is 1 serving – scale entire recipe as needed)
  • 1 tbsp poultry seasoning or any bbq rub
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  • Pat chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Season chicken all over with poultry seasoning. I used (gifted) Evan Embers Rub & Grub (all purpose chicken seasoning rub).

  • Prep to sear drumsticks before slow cooking. (thank me later! This helps them stay together, infuses them with flavor, and makes them look beautiful!) Heat a large pan on the stove to medium or medium high. Add olive oil. When oil is hot (begins to shine) add chicken drumsticks carefully, with tongs, as the oil may splatter.

  • Sear chicken drumsticks in olive oil for a few minutes, turning regularly into lightly browned all over. Use tongs to help. They won’t completely cook through in this step. That’s what the crock pot is for.

  • Set up a large crock pot on high. (FIRST: Why a big slow cooker? Well, when you cook them in a flat layer in a large crock pot, they may cook faster than in a smaller crock pot or when layered on top of each other. But you can use a small crock pot if that’s all you have.)

    Add seared / browned drumsticks to the slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce on top of chicken (I used Sweet Baby Rays). Add water. Now it’s time to cover and cook ‘em…

  • Slow cook chicken drumsticks in the crock pot for about 4 hours on high, or until done. Check hourly if possible to make sure there is still liquid in the crock pot so the sauce doesn’t burn.

    If you smell burning bbq sauce, or there is no liquid left in the crock pot, add a little more water or chicken stock.

    Chicken drumsticks are done slow cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F (measured in the thickest part, not touching the bone). They should be falling off the bone.

  • Serve slow cooker bbq chicken drumsticks with extra bbq sauce if desired. We love these over rice, served with a side salad or roasted potatoes.

Video

Notes

See the recipe: https://sipbitego.com/crock-pot-bbq-chicken-drumsticks

Watch the full-length YouTube recipe video for bbq chicken drumsticks in a crock pot on Sip Bite Go’s YouTube channel.

Nutrition

Calories: 798kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 348mg | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 953mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 4mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fredrick Parker says

    Do you sear before or after adding the poultry seasoning?

    Reply

    • Jenna Passaro says

      Sear BEFORE adding the chicken drumsticks to the slow cooker.

      Reply

  2. Patti says

    I want to make a big batch for a family gathering. Could I use my electric roaster for this? How would I adjust the cooking time and temperature?

    Reply

    • Jenna Passaro says

      I’m not particularly sure about an electric smoker, but I have this recipe for smoked Traeger chicken thighs you can check out – https://sipbitego.com/smoked-chicken-thighs/

      Reply

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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (2024)

FAQs

Should chicken be on high or low in slow cooker? ›

Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early. On high, the chicken turns out drier; I consistently have the best results with low.

How long to cook chicken drumsticks before BBQ? ›

Pre-heat the oven to 180℃/gas mark 4. Put the chicken drumsticks in a roasting tin and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. When cooked, cover them in sauce or rub, and finish them on the bbq for 10-15 minutes, to give them that lovely bbq char and taste.

Can I put frozen drumsticks in a crockpot? ›

Frozen drumsticks can be prepared in the slow cooker, but the cook time will need to be increased to ensure your chicken is cooked through. If cooking the chicken legs from frozen, allow for 8 to 10 hours of cooking when using your crock pot.

How long do drumsticks need to be cooked for? ›

We're baking these chicken legs at 425 degrees. If our oven isn't good and hot, the chicken skin won't get crispy and no one wants rubbery chicken skin! The meat should reach 165 degrees in about 45 minutes and then your chicken legs are ready to devour!

Is 8 hours on low the same as 4 hours on high? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

How long to leave chicken in crockpot on low? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Should you oil drumsticks before grilling? ›

Oil drumsticks a bit, then coat them with dry rub and work it in on all sides. Arrange the chicken on the grill grate, spacing about 1” apart. Grill for 30 minutes with the lid closed. Turn the drumsticks every 5-6 minutes, and cook until internal temperature reaches 180-185°F.

What goes well with barbecue chicken drumsticks? ›

Check out my top recipes for sides for BBQ chicken.
  • Spicy Mac And Cheese. ...
  • Baked Beans Recipe. ...
  • Delicious Healthy Kale Slaw. ...
  • Charred Broccoli. ...
  • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. ...
  • Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Without Eggs. ...
  • Overnight Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Stuffed Mini Peppers.
Mar 15, 2024

Why do drumsticks take so long to cook? ›

Unlike chicken breasts, chicken thighs and drumsticks actually become more tender the longer they cook. That's because of their makeup. Dark meat has an abundant amount of connective tissue, which dissolves into gelatin as the meat cooks, rendering it juicy and tender.

Should chicken be thawed before putting in slow cooker? ›

It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

Is it safe to cook chicken in a slow cooker? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and safety guidelines. Start clean. Start with clean hands, utensils surfaces and a clean cooker.

How long do chicken drumsticks take to cook on the barbecue? ›

For perfectly succulent chicken drumsticks, a grilling time between 25-30 minutes is ideal for almost any recipe. Overcooking can char and dry your meat, but you want to make sure you don't undercook poultry either.

Can you overcook chicken drumsticks? ›

Yes, it's possible to overcook chicken drumsticks, just like any other chicken recipe. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat. The recommended internal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F. Cooking beyond this temperature can lead to the meat becoming excessively dry.

Can drumsticks be a little pink? ›

Color is not a reliable indicator of safety or doneness. Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts have very little connective tissue; that means they can be cooked quickly because the long cooking time needed to soften connective tissue isn't necessary. They also have little fat, which means they can become dry if cooked too long.

Is it better to cook chicken at a high or low temperature? ›

When baking wings, we're almost always going for crispy skin, and the pieces are small and cook quickly so the higher temp at 425 is the best bet. For chicken breasts, it's best to go with the lower temp of 350 and keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken: white meat will dry out faster than dark meat.

Do I cook chicken on low medium or high? ›

Start by having the heat medium-high when you put the chicken breast in the pan. Sear it quickly. Then get the heat down to medium-low. The average-size boneless chicken breast takes only about 6 minutes of cooking time.

Should you cook chicken hot and fast or low and slow? ›

Chicken skin has a thin layer of fat under it, and when it's cooked at high temperature, the fat crisps the skin somewhat. When cooking at “low and slow” barbecue temperatures, this fat just melts away without getting hot enough to crisp the skin.

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