Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are the epitome of convenience and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the spices and seasonings, resulting in a deliciously rich taste. The drumsticks are incredibly moist, tender, and practically effortless to prepare. Once you’ve seasoned the chicken and placed it in the slow cooker, you can forget about it until it’s time to serve. Plus, the slow cooker makes clean-up a breeze, as everything is cooked in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 10-12 chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce or honey mustard (optional for glazing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the drumsticks: If you prefer, you can quickly sear the drumsticks in a hot skillet with olive oil to give them a crispy outer layer, but this step is optional. Simply season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.

2. Add to slow cooker: Place the seasoned drumsticks into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth or water, which will help keep the chicken moist while it cooks. The broth also infuses the chicken with flavor.

3. Cook the drumsticks: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The drumsticks should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.

4. Optional glaze: If you like your drumsticks with a glaze, brush them with BBQ sauce or honey mustard during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also finish them off under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze and create a crispy exterior.

5. Serve: Once the drumsticks are cooked through and tender, remove them from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

6. Enjoy: Enjoy these juicy, flavorful drumsticks for a hassle-free, satisfying meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Cooking time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)

• Total time: 6-7 hours (slow cooking)

Variations

• Spicy drumsticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

• Herb and lemon: For a fresh flavor, add lemon zest and a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks before serving.

• Sweet and savory: For a sweet and savory version, brush the drumsticks with maple syrup, honey, or apricot jam during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Citrus glaze: Mix orange juice or lemon juice with a bit of honey and pour over the drumsticks in the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a citrusy glaze.

• Garlic butter version: For a rich, buttery taste, add a few tablespoons of butter to the slow cooker with the drumsticks and garlic powder.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the drumsticks in the microwave, or for a crispy exterior, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen drumsticks?

Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks in the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook them on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks in this recipe. Thighs will be even more tender and juicy, so follow the same cooking time and method.

3. Can I cook these drumsticks without searing them first?

Yes, you can skip the searing step. The slow cooking process will still make the drumsticks tender and flavorful.

4. Can I cook the drumsticks on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, cooking on high heat is perfectly fine. Just reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. How can I make these drumsticks more crispy?

For a crispy texture, you can place the cooked drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes after they’ve finished cooking in the slow cooker. This will crisp up the skin and caramelize any glaze you’ve added.

6. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the drumsticks?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker with the chicken. Just chop them into even pieces and place them at the bottom of the cooker so they cook evenly with the chicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are a convenient, flavorful, and juicy dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or for a family gathering, this recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The slow cooking method infuses the chicken with delicious spices, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. So grab your slow cooker, season those drumsticks, and let it do the work for you!

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

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Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are a simple, flavorful, and hands-off meal that delivers juicy, tender chicken cooked to perfection. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, these drumsticks cook low and slow, absorbing all the delicious seasonings and spices for a comforting, satisfying meal.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooking)
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 10–12 chicken drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce or honey mustard (optional for glazing)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken drumsticks with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. If desired, sear the drumsticks in olive oil in a hot skillet for a crispy outer layer, but this step is optional.
3. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth or water.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
5. For a glaze, brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce or honey mustard during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Remove from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Notes

Spicy drumsticks: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.Herb and lemon: Add lemon zest and fresh rosemary or thyme for a fresh flavor.Sweet and savory: Brush with maple syrup, honey, or apricot jam for a unique twist.Garlic butter version: Add butter and garlic powder for a rich, savory flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 drumstick
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg