Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks with Crispy Broiled Finish Recipe
These Crock Pot Drumsticks are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper, then slow cooked to perfection and finished under the broiler for crispy skin. This easy recipe serves 12 and is a hassle-free way to enjoy flavorful chicken drumsticks with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 lbs chicken drumsticks
Dry Rub
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 2.5 to 3 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken drumsticks from their packaging and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and prevents sogginess during cooking.
- Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken drumsticks. You can toss the chicken with the rub inside the package, a zip lock bag, or a large bowl for even coating.
- Place in slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned drumsticks to the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible to allow even cooking.
- Add barbecue sauce: Pour in 2 cups of barbecue sauce over the chicken. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to gently move the drumsticks around, making sure they are well coated with the sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Prepare for broiling: After slow cooking, use tongs to transfer the drumsticks to a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the remaining half cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken using a silicone brush for extra flavor and moisture.
- Broil for crispy skin: Place the baking sheet under the oven broiler for 3-8 minutes, monitoring closely, until the skin becomes crispy and caramelized as desired.
- Serve: Serve the drumsticks hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side and your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- You can adjust the barbecue sauce quantity based on your preference for sauciness.
- If you prefer less crispy skin, skip the broiling step and serve directly from the slow cooker.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker so the chicken cooks evenly.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry rub.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
