Slow Cooker Drumsticks
These easy slow cooker chicken drumsticks are tender, packed with smoky BBQ flavors, and finished with crispy skin for the perfect 4-ingredient chicken dish your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. This creates a flavorful, no-fuss spice rub.
- Place the chicken drumsticks into a 6-quart slow cooker. The drumsticks should rest snugly in a single layer for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks, tossing them gently to ensure every piece is well coated.
- Pour 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken, spreading it with a spoon or spatula to cover evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours until the drumsticks are tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- If you’d like crispy skin, preheat your broiler and carefully transfer the chicken to a foil-lined sheet pan.
- Discard any cooking liquid left in the slow cooker or strain and reserve it for another recipe (it’s flavor-packed!).
- Brush the drumsticks with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ensuring a generous coating on all sides.
- Broil for 2-4 minutes, flip, and broil for another 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—the BBQ sauce should caramelize beautifully.
- Serve hot and enjoy!