The Most Divine Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe For Tender Bites

Cooking weeknight chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker brings guaranteed comfort and incredible flavor that will make everyone at the table smile.

These juicy slow cooker drumsticks are packed with rich, savory seasonings that infuse every delicious bite.

The magic happens when simple ingredients meld together into a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this foolproof recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.

The secret lies in letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy time with your family.

Perfectly seasoned and falling-off-the-bone tender, these drumsticks will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.

Tools to Cook Slow Cooker Drumsticks Without Drying Out

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful chicken that cooks evenly and slowly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining barbecue sauce, olive oil, and honey.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for crisping drumsticks under the broiler.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and sauces.
• Cutting Board: Use for preparing garnish like parsley or green onions.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for applying extra sauce before broiling.

How to Make Juicy Slow Cooker Drumsticks from Start to Finish

• Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Grab your drumsticks and sprinkle them with a flavor explosion of spices that will make your taste buds dance.

• Layer Drumsticks in Slow Cooker

Nestle those seasoned beauties into your slow cooker, creating a cozy chicken paradise.

• Create Magical Sauce

Whip up a tantalizing sauce by blending barbecue goodness with sweet honey and a touch of olive oil, then lovingly drench the chicken.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Let your slow cooker work its magic, transforming the drumsticks into tender, mouthwatering morsels. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken practically falls off the bone.

• Crisp Up the Skin

For an irresistible finish, slide the cooked drumsticks under the broiler. Brush with extra sauce and watch them transform into golden, slightly charred delights in just 3-5 minutes.

• Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top and get ready to enjoy the most incredible drumsticks you’ve ever tasted. Dinner is served!

Spice Blends That Complement Slow Cooker Drumsticks

• For extra crispy skin, pat drumsticks completely dry before seasoning and ensure they're not overcrowded in the slow cooker to prevent steaming.
• Marinate drumsticks in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Replace traditional barbecue sauce with a sugar-free, low-carb barbecue sauce to make the recipe keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a spicier chicken dish, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.
• Ensure you're using a gluten-free barbecue sauce and check all seasoning ingredients to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Drumsticks Hot or Pull for Sandwiches

• Family Dinner Platter: Arrange drumsticks on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, surrounded by roasted vegetables and warm dinner rolls for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack cooked drumsticks in a sealed container with creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, and zesty potato salad for an outdoor meal that screams summer fun.
• Game Day Appetizer Spread: Slice drumsticks into bite-sized pieces, serve with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce, and create a crowd-pleasing finger food option for sports watching parties.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair drumsticks with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to create a complete, satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies and brings smiles around the dinner table.

Save Drumsticks and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover drumsticks in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping chicken fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Package drumsticks in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains excellent quality for up to 4 months.
• Warm refrigerated drumsticks in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying and restore moisture.
• Divide chicken into individual serving sizes before storing, enabling easy grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Drumsticks in the Slow Cooker Start with These Basics

• Chicken Drumsticks: Robust protein centerpiece with rich flavor and tender meat, select fresh drumsticks with smooth, pink skin without discoloration or unusual odors.
• Salt: Essential seasoning enhancer that intensifies meat's natural taste and helps tenderize chicken fibers.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice adding subtle heat and depth to overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated aromatic that provides robust, rounded savory undertones without fresh garlic's texture.
• Paprika: Mild, sweet spice contributing beautiful reddish color and subtle smoky warmth.
• Onion Powder: Concentrated allium flavor that adds complex savory notes without chopping fresh onions.

• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet-tangy liquid base providing rich caramelized flavor and moisture for chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings evenly and creates silky texture in cooking liquid.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds glossy finish and helps create beautiful caramelization.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb offering bright color and mild herbal freshness to completed dish.
• Green Onions: Crisp, mild allium that provides elegant garnish with subtle sharp undertones.

Tender Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker drumsticks bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy chicken infused with herbs and spices creates a simple yet flavorful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chicken drumsticks (about 10–12 pieces)
• ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce (or buffalo, teriyaki, or favorite)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat drumsticks with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
2. Slow Cooking Setup: Arrange seasoned drumsticks in slow cooker, creating a uniform layer for consistent heat distribution.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk barbecue sauce, olive oil, and honey into a glossy, caramelizing glaze, then generously drench chicken, rotating to achieve complete sauce integration.
4. Cooking Process: Secure lid and simmer on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing meat to tenderize and absorb deeply infused flavors until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature.
5. Finishing Touch: Transfer cooked drumsticks to broiler-safe tray, brush with additional sauce, and broil 3-5 minutes to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior with appetizing golden-brown charred edges.
6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, creating a vibrant visual appeal and complementary herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

• Pat drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce absorption.
• Use generous but even coating of spices, ensuring each drumstick gets uniform flavor profile.
• Choose thick barbecue sauce to prevent watery final dish; adjust honey for desired sweetness and caramelization.
• Watch carefully during final broiling step to achieve golden-brown color without burning chicken skin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg