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Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in the Crockpot


  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in the Crockpot are a weeknight dinner dream come true. This recipe takes minimal effort to prepare, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while infusing the chicken with incredible flavor. You’ll come home to tender, juicy drumsticks practically falling off the bone, ready to be devoured by the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks, skin removed
  • 1 (18 ounce) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Prepare the Drumsticks: Start by rinsing your chicken drumsticks under cold water and patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.

    2. 2. Whisk Together the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

    3. 3. Pour Over Chicken: Carefully pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. Make sure all the drumsticks are well coated in the sauce. Gently move them around if needed to ensure they are submerged.

    4. 4. Set the Slow Cooker: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

    5. 5. Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is safely cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C) when inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The meat should also appear opaque throughout.

    6. 6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker. You can spoon some of the delicious sauce from the crockpot over the chicken before serving, or even thicken the remaining sauce on the stovetop if you prefer a richer consistency.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: slow cooker
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1-2 drumsticks

    Keywords: bbq chicken, drumsticks, slow cooker, crockpot, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family friendly, comfort food, chicken recipe, barbecue