The Best Crock Pot Drumsticks Recipe

I created this recipe as one of my favorite Easy Crockpot Dinners. I season succulent chicken drumsticks with salt, garlic powder, and paprika, then let them meld with tangy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. The result is a mix of flavors that has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen.

I’m excited to share my Best Crock Pot Drumsticks recipe that’s a real game changer for any dinner occasion. I start with 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 to 2.5 lbs total) seasoned with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp paprika.

Then I toss in 1 cup of my favorite BBQ sauce along with 1/2 cup chicken broth which really helps blend all the flavors together. I also add in 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to give the dish a sweet and tangy kick.

This recipe is one of the easiest slow cooker dishes I’ve ever made and it brings a fresh twist to classic crockpot chicken leg recipes without any fuss. Its simple approach makes it a perfect pick for parties, game day or just an everyday dinner idea.

Enjoy, and let the drumsticks do the talking!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of effort. I can just season the chicken, dump it in my crock pot, and let it do all the work while I’m busy with other stuff.

I also enjoy how the flavors mix together; the sweet BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar create this tangy, bold taste that is just perfect.

Another reason I love it is that the chicken turns out really tender and juicy every time. It’s amazing how the slow cook makes the meat so flavorful and soft, which is great for any party or game day.

Lastly, I like that I can get some crispy skin by quickly broiling the drumsticks after they’re done cooking. It gives the dish a nice crunch and extra flavor that makes it feel even more special.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks: high in protein, meaty and satisfying, they are the main flavorful star.
• BBQ sauce: sweet and tangy, packs carbohydrates, rich flavor and acts as a marinade.
• Chicken broth: low in fat, adds moisture and enhances each bite with subtle savory taste.
• Apple cider vinegar: provides a tangy zest and balances sweetness with mild acidity.
• Brown sugar: lends a natural sweetness while giving a crispy caramelized finish to the dish.
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika): boost flavor with balanced seasoning and aromatic heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 to 2.5 lbs total)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your fave for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make this

1. First, season your 8 chicken drumsticks evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika.

2. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the bottom of your crock pot.

3. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until well combined.

4. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the drumsticks so they’re all nicely covered.

5. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and fully cooked.

6. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.

7. If you like crispy skin, transfer the finished drumsticks to a baking sheet and put them in a preheated broiler for a few minutes, watching closely.

8. Allow the drumsticks to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

9. Give them a quick toss in any leftover sauce in the crock pot before plating.

10. Enjoy this super easy and delicious crock pot drumsticks recipe at your next party or game day!

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons and cups
4. Whisk or spoon for stirring
5. Baking sheet
6. Meat thermometer
7. Tongs

These are the basic items you need to follow the recipe.

FAQ

The Best Crock Pot Drumsticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have BBQ sauce, try mixing ketchup, brown sugar, a bit of vinegar and a pinch of chili powder for a similar tangy flavor.
• No chicken broth? You can dissolve a bouillon cube in water to make a quick substitute.
• If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, a splash of lemon juice works just fine to add that acidic kick.
• No Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce mixed with a little extra brown sugar can be a nice savory swap.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the chicken sit with the seasons for like 10 minutes before you toss it in the crock pot – it gives the spices time to really soak in and makes the flavor pop.
2. If you really like that crispy skin thing, don’t overdo the broiling time; keep your eye on it cause it can go from crispy to burnt real quick.
3. For an extra flavor boost, consider mixing in a tiny splash of liquid smoke or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you’re feelin’ adventurous.
4. When you’re done, let the chicken rest a couple minutes after cooking; it helps lock in all the juices so each bite is super tender and delish.