Cooking mouthwatering BBQ chicken drumsticks in a crock pot is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a classic favorite. This method takes advantage of the low-and-slow cooking method that traditional BBQ does –yielding tender and flavorful chicken. Additionally, no need to worry about burning the BBQ sauce on the grill. The chicken will soak up all the aromatics and seasonings throughout the duration of the cooking session.
Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a casual get-together, crock pot BBQ chicken drumsticks are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve when you return home from work.
Cheers!
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 10-12 Chicken drumsticks
- 1 Cup BBQ sauce Your Favorite
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1/4 Cup Soy sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Drumsticks: Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Place the drumsticks in the crock pot. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Once done, serve the BBQ chicken drumsticks hot. If you want, add some fresh herbs as a garnish. Enjoy your delicious meal with a side of Mac & Cheese, BBQ beans or your favorite veggie.
Notes
Additional Tips:
- Marinating for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, consider marinating the drumsticks in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before placing them in the crock pot. This helps the chicken absorb more of the delicious marinade.
- Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead of powders for a more robust flavor. Simply finely chop and add them to the sauce mixture.
- Monitoring Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker's model, cooking times may vary slightly. Start checking for doneness 30 minutes before the end of the listed cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicier version of the drumsticks.
- Asian Twist: Substitute the BBQ sauce with a teriyaki glaze and add ginger to the sauce mixture. Pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Smoky Maple: Replace the honey with maple syrup and add a few drops of liquid smoke for a sweet and smoky variation.
Why This Recipe Works
Instead of using the oven, the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, making meal prep as easy as possible. Thanks to the combination of honey and BBQ sauce, the drumsticks come out with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. For an added touch of flavor, consider broiling the drumsticks for a few minutes after they’ve cooked in the crock pot to caramelize the sauce and achieve a slightly crispy skin. We also have a similar recipe for delicious hands-off BBQ by using your dutch oven and slow cooking ribs in your conventional oven, see that here.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Cornbread: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Baked Beans: Rich, smoky baked beans provide a hearty accompaniment to the tender chicken drumsticks.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad balances the meal with its robust flavors and cool texture.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred and seasoned vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus serve as a healthy and colorful side.
Adding these sides will ensure you have a well-rounded and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Another useful tip is to line the slow cooker with a crock pot liner to make cleanup even easier. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the drumsticks once they are cooked and let the sauce simmer in the slow cooker on high with the lid off for 10-15 minutes to reduce it. For an added twist, you can experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors or add a splash of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky flavor. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences while still being simple enough for any home cook to master.
Great Drinks for BBQ Chicken
- Iced Tea: A classic Southern-style sweet tea complements the flavors of the BBQ chicken perfectly.
- Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, lemonade is a great match for the rich barbecue flavors.
- Beer: A light lager or a hoppy IPA pairs well with BBQ chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
By exploring these tips and variations. Happy cooking!