Fall-Off-The-Bone Slow Cooker Drumsticks

Unlock the secret to an effortless and incredibly delicious family dinner with these Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken infused with a rich, smoky-sweet flavor that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked on a grill all day. This recipe simplifies meal prep, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy drumsticks with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

The beauty of the slow cooker lies in its ability to consistently deliver outstanding results without constant supervision. No more worrying about dry or undercooked chicken! This set-it-and-forget-it approach ensures your drumsticks are cooked safely and to perfection every time, yielding a moist and tender texture that effortlessly pulls away from the bone. Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly easy and flavorful this recipe is!

Contents

Toggle

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks Are a Family Favorite

---

When life gets hectic and dinner decisions feel overwhelming, these Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks consistently come to my rescue. They’re a staple in my kitchen, especially during busy school nights, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness that’s utterly irresistible. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that everyone at the table will adore, requiring minimal hands-on time but delivering maximum flavor and comfort.

Beyond their incredible taste, slow cooker drumsticks offer unparalleled convenience. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the meat like magic, making it virtually impossible to mess up. Plus, the deep infusion of spices and barbecue sauce creates a complex flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot grill, without any of the fuss. It’s the ultimate hassle-free meal that never compromises on deliciousness, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Skin

While the slow cooker excels at making chicken incredibly tender, achieving that desirable crispy skin often requires a little extra attention at the end. For drumsticks with an irresistible, slightly charred and crispy skin, pay close attention to the amount of oil you use before seasoning. Aim for a maximum of 1 tablespoon of olive oil to lightly coat the drumsticks. Using too much oil can prevent the skin from crisping effectively under the broiler, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture. A minimal, even coating allows the dry rub to adhere beautifully and prepares the skin for optimal caramelization during the final broiling step.

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: The Ultimate Easy BBQ Recipe

Discover the easiest way to make fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks with this irresistible slow cooker recipe. Infused with a smoky-sweet flavor reminiscent of a backyard barbecue, these drumsticks are cooked to juicy perfection. A quick finish under the broiler creates a beautiful caramelized glaze, delivering all the taste of outdoor grilling without the fuss. With minimal prep and everyday pantry spices, this simple dinner will become a regular in your rotation.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Halal

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Broil Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 372 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (approximately 6-10 pieces, depending on size)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 oz jar barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving and dipping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, sea salt, and garlic powder. Use a fork or a small whisk to thoroughly mix the ingredients, breaking up any clumps in the brown sugar to ensure a uniform spice blend.
2. Coat the Drumsticks with Oil: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the drumsticks well with your hands or tongs until each piece is lightly and evenly coated with the oil. This step helps the dry rub adhere effectively.
3. Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over all sides of the oiled drumsticks. Gently press the seasoning onto the chicken with your hands to ensure it sticks and forms a flavorful crust.
4. Slow Cook: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Avoid stacking them too much to ensure even cooking. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 5–6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare for Broiling: Once the chicken is cooked, preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for effortless cleanup. Using tongs, carefully transfer the tender drumsticks from the slow cooker to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Glaze and Broil: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and sides of each drumstick with your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 4-5 minutes, turning the drumsticks once halfway through and brushing with more sauce. Broil until the sauce is bubbly, caramelized, and the skin is slightly crispy and charred to your liking.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the broiled drumsticks to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat remains as moist and flavorful as possible. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

To achieve extra crispy skin during the broiling phase, ensure you use no more than 1 tablespoon of olive oil when tossing the drumsticks. Excess oil can hinder the skin’s ability to crisp up properly. If you prefer to finish your drumsticks in the oven rather than broiling, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes until caramelized. For an even simpler approach, you can skip the broiling altogether. In this case, simply heat up the barbecue sauce separately and either toss it with the cooked drumsticks or serve it as a cold dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1131mg | Potassium: 506mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 772IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later! Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!

How to Master Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Making truly exceptional Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks is simpler than you might think. With just a few key steps and attention to detail, you can consistently achieve that coveted tender, flavorful, and perfectly glazed result. Let’s walk through each stage to ensure your chicken turns out amazing every single time.

First, gather all your ingredients. While drumsticks are fantastic for this recipe, you can easily substitute chicken thighs or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If using breasts, be aware that cooking times may need to be slightly adjusted as they cook faster. If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika will work for a milder flavor. For a touch of smokiness, a tiny drop of liquid smoke can be added to regular paprika, but use sparingly!

In a small bowl, combine your dry rub ingredients: smoked paprika, brown sugar, sea salt, and garlic powder. Take a moment to thoroughly mix these spices with a fork or a small whisk. It’s important to break up any lumps in the brown sugar and ensure all the spices are fully integrated. This creates a uniform dry rub that will evenly coat the chicken, preventing patchy seasoning and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Next, prepare your chicken drumsticks. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using your hands, toss the drumsticks thoroughly until each one is lightly and evenly coated in the oil. This thin layer of oil is crucial; it acts as a binder, helping the dry rub adhere beautifully to the chicken skin and promoting a lovely browning later. Once oiled, evenly sprinkle the prepared dry rub mixture over the drumsticks. Gently turn and press the drumsticks with your hands to ensure the seasoning sticks firmly to all sides. This pressing action helps create a delicious, flavorful crust on the finished chicken, sealing in juices and enhancing the overall texture.

Once seasoned, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the insert of your slow cooker. It’s ideal to avoid excessive stacking to promote even cooking and tenderization. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 5–6 hours. Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can cook them on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is perfectly done when the meat is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone, and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

After the slow cooking, it’s time to add that irresistible caramelized finish. Carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker using tongs and gently transfer them to a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup incredibly easy. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and sides of each drumstick with your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the baking sheet under your preheated oven broiler. Keep a close eye on them, broiling for 4-5 minutes. Remember to turn them once halfway through and brush with more sauce to ensure both sides get that glossy, slightly charred, and caramelized BBQ glaze. This step is key for texture and visual appeal.

Once broiled to perfection, allow the drumsticks to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the chicken’s juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve your succulent slow cooker chicken drumsticks immediately, with a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce on the side for anyone who desires an additional dip. Enjoy the incredible flavors and the ease of this fantastic recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Enhance Your Meal with These Serving Ideas

These Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are a hearty and flavorful main course, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal to a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some fantastic serving ideas to complement the rich, smoky-sweet chicken:

For a refreshing and healthy balance, consider adding a vibrant side of vegetables. A simple green salad like this light and zesty Panera Bread Greek Salad provides a crisp contrast. Alternatively, some perfectly seasoned Mediterranean roasted vegetables offer earthy flavors and a delightful texture. Other great veggie options include steamed green beans with garlic butter, tender roasted asparagus, or even a classic coleslaw for that authentic BBQ vibe.

If you’re looking for a satisfying starchy side to soak up all that delicious barbecue sauce, you have plenty of choices. Fluffy Yellow Rice or perfectly cooked Instant Pot Basmati Rice are excellent options. Creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even warm, crusty bread are also fantastic for complementing the rich flavors of the chicken. And, of course, a classic corn on the cob is always a welcome addition to any barbecue-inspired meal.

For those who love pasta, these drumsticks pair surprisingly well with various pasta dishes, offering a comforting and fulfilling meal:

• Harissa Pasta: A spicy twist for adventurous palates, adding a delightful kick to your plate.
• Pasta E Piselli: A comforting Italian classic with peas, offering a milder, homey feel.
• Spaghetti All’Assassina: For those who love a bold, spicy, and perfectly charred pasta with a unique texture.
• Broccoli Pasta: A wholesome and flavorful green addition that brings freshness and nutrients.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love