When the day has been long and the kitchen feels like a refuge, there’s something incredibly soothing about letting a crock pot quietly do its thing. This recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks is exactly that kind of comfort—easy to prepare, and then forgotten until the house starts to smell like a smoky, homey hug.
I remember the first time I tried this, I was juggling dinner and a restless toddler, and honestly, I was a bit distracted. I didn’t get the spices perfectly measured—I think I eyeballed the smoked paprika somewhere between a teaspoon and a little more. But the aroma as it cooked? That rich, smoky scent filled the air and kept drawing me back to the kitchen to check the crock pot lid, even though I knew it was doing its job. When the drumsticks finally came out, tender and juicy, the slight impatience of waiting turned into a quiet sense of triumph. It’s funny how something so simple can feel like a little victory on a busy day.
Why You’ll Love It
- The slow cooking means the chicken gets fall-off-the-bone tender without much hands-on time.
- The blend of spices and barbecue sauce creates a deep, smoky flavor that feels homemade, even if you’re short on effort.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps mean it’s approachable for any weeknight.
- The leftovers reheat well, though I usually find the first serving the best because the sauce soaks right into the chicken.
Even if you’re not sure about slow cookers, this one’s forgiving. You can’t really mess it up, which is a relief when you’re juggling a million things.
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Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful chicken drumsticks slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot with a simple blend of spices and a savory sauce. Perfect for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken drumsticks.
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the crock pot in a single layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and chicken broth until combined.
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks in the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks from the crock pot and place them on a serving platter.
Optionally, spoon some of the sauce from the crock pot over the drumsticks before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a standard crock pot—nothing fancy needed here. When serving, these drumsticks pair wonderfully with simple sides like roasted veggies or a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I stir in a little honey or hot sauce to the barbecue mix for a twist, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly, so go gently. If you’re in a hurry, finishing the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes adds a nice caramelized crust, though it’s optional.
FAQ
Can I use frozen drumsticks? It’s better to thaw them first, so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Is there a substitute for barbecue sauce? You could try using a tomato-based sauce with some added spices, but it’ll change the flavor profile quite a bit.
How to store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.
Give this crock pot recipe a try next time you want dinner that practically makes itself. Trust me, once that smell starts filling your kitchen, you’ll be counting down the minutes.