Looking for an easy and delicious dinner recipe that requires minimal effort? Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect choice! This recipe delivers tender, juicy drumsticks with a smoky barbecue flavor that will have your family and friends coming back for more. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep time. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, and garlic salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the Drumsticks: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring you rub it evenly over the skin.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Put the seasoned drumsticks in your slow cooker.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the drumsticks on low for 4-6 hours, or until they are tender. For a faster option, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours.
- Prepare for Broiling: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them on a cookie sheet lined with foil and cooking spray.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: Brush half of the remaining barbecue sauce on the drumsticks, ensuring they are generously coated.
- Broil the Drumsticks: Place the cookie sheet under the broiler for 1-5 minutes, or until the chicken begins to brown.
- Flip and Add More Sauce: Flip the drumsticks over and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for an additional 1-5 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken!

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Pair with Sides: Serve your Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Perfect for BBQs: These drumsticks are ideal for BBQ gatherings or casual dinners. Serve them with additional BBQ sauce on the side for guests who prefer extra flavor.
- Add a Fresh Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers you want to keep longer, freeze the cooked drumsticks. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, brushing with a bit of extra BBQ sauce if desired. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks both immediately and as leftovers!
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub for an extra kick of heat. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to elevate the flavor.
- Honey Mustard Drumsticks: Replace the BBQ sauce with honey mustard or a mix of honey and mustard. This creates a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the smoky spices.
- Lemon Herb Drumsticks: For a fresh twist, add lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary to the seasoning mix. Use a lemon-based sauce or a combination of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to coat the drumsticks in place of BBQ sauce.
- Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks: Swap out the BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce to create a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop.
- Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks: After cooking the drumsticks in the crock pot, brush them with a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Broil them to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Smoky Chipotle Drumsticks: For a smoky and spicy flavor, add chipotle powder to the spice rub, and use a chipotle BBQ sauce or a combination of smoky paprika and adobo sauce for extra depth.
- Cajun Drumsticks: Replace the cumin with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor. Pair the Cajun drumsticks with a side of rice or cornbread for a complete southern-inspired meal.
These variations allow you to customize the flavor of your Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks based on your preferences, ensuring that every batch can be uniquely delicious!
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks. The cooking time may be slightly longer, depending on the size of the thighs, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Can I cook the drumsticks on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook them on high. If cooking on high, reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours, but ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. - Can I skip the broiling step?
While broiling adds a crispy, caramelized texture to the skin, you can skip this step and still enjoy tender, flavorful drumsticks. Just serve them directly from the slow cooker. - How can I make the chicken skin crispier?
Broiling is the best way to achieve crispy skin, but you can also try cooking the drumsticks uncovered in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to help the skin crisp up. - Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking for even cooking. If you need to cook from frozen, add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or cook on high for 3-4 hours. - What should I serve with these drumsticks?
These drumsticks pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a fresh salad. For a BBQ-style meal, serve with coleslaw and baked beans. - Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter—around 2-3 hours on low. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. - Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Absolutely! Potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers can be added to the slow cooker. Just layer them beneath the chicken so they cook well in the flavorful juices. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. - How do I reheat leftover Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks?
To reheat, thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in the fridge, then heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the oven method will keep the skin crispier.
Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks are a game changer when it comes to easy, hands-off cooking. With the perfect combination of spices, BBQ sauce, and slow-cooking magic, these drumsticks turn out perfectly tender every time. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a small get-together, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and enjoy the smoky, savory flavors that make every bite irresistible!
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Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks
Description
Looking for an easy and delicious dinner recipe that requires minimal effort? Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect choice! This recipe delivers tender, juicy drumsticks with a smoky barbecue flavor that will have your family and friends coming back for more. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep time. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, and garlic salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the Drumsticks: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring you rub it evenly over the skin.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Put the seasoned drumsticks in your slow cooker.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the drumsticks on low for 4-6 hours, or until they are tender. For a faster option, you can cook them on high for 2-3 hours.
- Prepare for Broiling: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and place them on a cookie sheet lined with foil and cooking spray.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: Brush half of the remaining barbecue sauce on the drumsticks, ensuring they are generously coated.
- Broil the Drumsticks: Place the cookie sheet under the broiler for 1-5 minutes, or until the chicken begins to brown.
- Flip and Add More Sauce: Flip the drumsticks over and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. Broil for an additional 1-5 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken!
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Pair with Sides: Serve your Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Perfect for BBQs: These drumsticks are ideal for BBQ gatherings or casual dinners. Serve them with additional BBQ sauce on the side for guests who prefer extra flavor.
- Add a Fresh Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers you want to keep longer, freeze the cooked drumsticks. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen drumsticks overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, brushing with a bit of extra BBQ sauce if desired. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.