Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks deliver tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with almost no hands-on effort. A simple seasoning rub and your favorite barbecue sauce do all the flavor work while the slow cooker does the rest. This is the easy way to get that backyard barbecue taste without ever turning on a grill.
If you love delicious slow cooker chicken meals, you have to try my Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole and my Crock Pot Crack Chicken. Both are family favorites.
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Why this Slow Cooker Chicken Drumstick Recipe is a Keeper
The long, low cook makes the chicken unbelievably tender, letting the meat soak up every bit of the BBQ spice rub and the smoky-sweet sauce until it’s practically falling off the bone. It’s the kind of dinner that feels nostalgic, crowd‑pleasing, and weeknight‑friendly all at once, which is exactly why it earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
ONLY USE 2-4 OF THE MOST APPLICABLE FEATURES.
- Easy Ingredients: Just chicken, seasoning, and use my homemade BBQ sauce.
- Family Friendly: Tender, saucy chicken is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults who love BBQ flavor.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you spend time with family and friends.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Slice the meat off the bone for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
- What to Serve with Drumsticks: Try my Instant Pot Baked Beans and my Loaded Baked Potato Salad.
Can I Use Frozen Drumsticks for This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe?
Thaw frozen chicken drumsticks, but you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just plan on increasing the cooking time to make sure they cook through completely.
A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm they’re done either way. Look for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
Pro Tip for Chicken Legs
There’s no need to precook the drumsticks before they go into the slow cooker. They cook through completely and turn tender during the long, slow cooking process.
Ingredient Notes for BBQ Chicken Legs
A few ingredients in this slow cooker barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe are worth a closer look.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Drumsticks: These stay juicy and tender through the long cook time. Chicken thighs work well too, if you prefer.
- Seasoning: A barbecue seasoning or BBQ rub blend.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, or make a batch of homemade bbq sauce for an even more flavorful result.
Variations and Substitutions for Crockpot Chicken
This chicken in BBQ sauce recipe is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.
➡️ Swap the Cuts of Chicken: Thighs, chicken wings, or boneless, skinless, chicken breasts all work well in place of drumsticks, with adjusted cook times.
➡️ Try a Different Sauce: A smoky mesquite, tangy Carolina-style, or spicy chipotle sauce all bring something different to this dish.
➡️ Make It Homemade: Swap in a homemade barbecue sauce in place of store-bought for an even richer flavor.
➡️ Grill Instead: Marinate the drumsticks in the sauce and seasoning, then grill them for an outdoor barbecue version.
Kitchen Tools To Make Crock Pot Chicken in BBQ Sauce Easier
A few basics are all you need for this easy crock pot recipe. A sheet pan and some tongs come in handy.
- Slow Cooker: This does all the work, turning the drumsticks tender over several hours. Shop Slow Cooker
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Helpful for measuring out the seasoning and water precisely. Shop Measuring Spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Here’s a quick overview before you jump into the full recipe card below for bbq slow cooker chicken drumsticks.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Arrange the Chicken: Spread the drumsticks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Season and a Cup BBQ Sauce: Coat the chicken in seasoning, then in one cup of BBQ sauce.
- Add Water: Pour water into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Cook until the chicken is fully tender.
- Crisp the Skin, if desired: Broil chicken briefly on a baking sheet for a crispy finish.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for BBQ Drumsticks
A little advance prep adds even more flavor here.
➡️ Marinate Ahead of Time: Marinate the drumsticks in the sauce and seasoning for about 2 hours before cooking for extra flavor.
➡️ Measure Your Seasoning Early: Portion out your seasoning and sauce the night before for a faster morning prep.
➡️ Make the Sauce Ahead: If using homemade barbecue sauce, make a batch a few days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Barbecue Chicken
This recipe also works well on the grill, if you have access to one.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the marinated drumsticks directly on the grates. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
Do I Need to Brown the Drumsticks First?
Most people wonder if searing is required for flavor or texture. The truth: you don’t have to. The slow cooker gives you tender meat either way, and the sauce adds plenty of flavor. Browning is optional for a deeper, caramelized taste.
What is the Difference between a Chicken Leg and a Chicken Drumstick?
Chicken legs are a thigh and a drumstick still attached. If you pick drumsticks, you’re getting only the bottom half. Both are a great easy dinner and you can use either for this dinner idea.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
- Storing: Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Or warm in slow cooker and broil the chicken to crisp up.
- Using Leftovers: Slice the meat off the bone and add more brown sugar BBQ sauce and use for sandwiches, salads, or wraps for a quick meal.
Expert Tips for Making This Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe
These are just a few tips and suggestions for drumsticks in a slow cooker. This family friendly recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.
➡️ Check with a Thermometer: I always check the thickest part of the drumstick for 165 degrees F before serving.
➡️ Broil for Crispy Skin: I love finishing these under the broiler for a few minutes if I want crispier skin.
➡️ Marinate When You Can: I marinate the chicken in advance whenever I have the time, since it really boosts the flavor.
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Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Baking sheet, optional for broiling
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Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup Barbecue sauce
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Barbecue Seasoning
- ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Arrange the chicken drumsticks in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the drumsticks.
- Turn the drumsticks with tongs until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken.
- Turn the drumsticks again until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Pour the water around the edges of the slow cooker, being careful not to wash the sauce off the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker.
- For crispier skin, transfer the drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
Christina’s Notes
- There’s no need to brown or precook the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. It cooks through perfectly during the slow cooking process.
- Toss the drumsticks thoroughly in both the seasoning and barbecue sauce so every piece is evenly coated.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part before serving.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and barbecue sauce for up to 2 hours before slow cooking.
- Broiling for a few minutes after slow cooking gives the skin a crispier texture and caramelizes the barbecue sauce.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
It’s called BBQ drumsticks, but recipe says legs?
Also, would they still be good if you remove the skin?
Thank you! Ally
Honestly the sauce works with anything you like to barbeque. You can definitely remove skin. However, the skin add moisture, flavor and improved texture to your chicken.