Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Need a simple, no-fuss dinner? These easy crock pot BBQ chicken drumsticks take just 5 minutes of prep and three ingredients! Let your slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken ready for dinner.

Slow cooker chicken drumsticks are a budget-friendly meal the whole family will love. The low-and-slow cooking method keeps the meat tender and full of flavor. Just season the drumsticks, coat them in BBQ sauce, and let them cook—no need to brown them first! If you want crispy skin, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Making flavorful chicken drumsticks in your crock pot is super easy. You only need a few simple ingredients.

• Chicken Drumsticks – Look for organic drumsticks (I keep my freezer stocked with this chicken). Dark meat stays juicy and tender in the slow cooker.


• Seasonings – I like using my homemade chili powder (smoked paprika (both sweet and hot), cumin, garlic powder and oregano) mixed with a bit of sea salt, but feel free to use your favorite spice blend.


• BBQ Sauce – Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce made with real ingredients. Avoid added sugar and artificial ingredients. I like this one and this one.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Cooking chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker is effortless. Here’s how to do it.

1. Season the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and toss them with the spice blend until fully coated.


2. Arrange in the Crock Pot: Stack the drumsticks in alternating directions so they fit well. Pour BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.

3. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).


4. Crisp the Skin (Optional): For crispy, caramelized skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet.
   To enhance the flavor, brush the drumsticks with additional BBQ sauce and broil them for 2-3 minutes, making sure to monitor closely to avoid burning. To adhere to the guidelines of Whole30, it is recommended to utilize barbecue sauce that is approved for Whole30 compliance. This will ensure that your meal aligns with the principles and restrictions of the Whole30 program.
   
   Nutrition Facts:
   - Calories: 78 kcal
   - Carbohydrates: 12 g
   - Protein: 0.2 g
   - Fat: 0.1 g
   - Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
   - Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03 g
   - Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03 g
   - Cholesterol: 1 mg
   - Sodium: 68 mg
   - Potassium: 526 mg
   - Fiber: 0 g
   - Sugar: 8 g
   - Vitamin A: 800 IU
   - Vitamin C: 12 mg
   - Calcium: 16 mg
   - Iron: 2 mg
   
   Keyword: crock pot chicken drumsticks
   
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