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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Fall Off The Bone Crockpot Recipe

Discover the easiest way to make incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ chicken drumsticks using your slow cooker. This set-and-forget method delivers perfectly cooked chicken legs with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes better browning.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.
  3. Place the seasoned drumsticks in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the chicken (not directly over it to keep the seasoning intact).
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily pulls away from the bone.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker and brush generously with barbecue sauce. For extra caramelization, you can broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Choose drumsticks of similar size for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the slow cooker - arrange in single layer if possible. Add barbecue sauce during last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming watery. For crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes after cooking.