I usually prefer baked chicken legs as my go-to, but when I want something more hands-off, these slow cooker chicken drumsticks are perfect. Just like other Crock Pot recipes, you gather your ingredients, toss them in, and let time do its thing. They are great for weeknight dinners on busy days, but also for game night!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for slow cooker chicken legs, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken Legs – I used chicken drumsticks, but you can also make this recipe with chicken leg quarters. In case you’re wondering, it’s also fine to use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or breasts. BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite! Mine is a homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce. Seasonings – You only need salt and pepper to season these Crock Pot chicken drumsticks with sea salt and black pepper, but I like to add garlic powder as well (this is optional).
How To Make Chicken Legs In The Crock Pot
This section shows how to make chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. You can omit the BBQ sauce and use other spices and seasonings such as paprika, chili powder, or onion powder. Or just use 2-3 tablespoons of poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning for a different flavor profile. You’ll still need the salt and pepper, unless the seasoning you use already has salt.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: You can reheat Crock Pot chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker on the Warm setting, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the microwave. Freeze: After cooling, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. (This will prevent them from sticking together when frozen.) Then, transfer in an airtight container or zip lock freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Legs
Now that you’ve got mouthwatering BBQ Crock Pot chicken legs, you’re probably wondering what to serve with them! Here are some easy ideas:
Veggies – Serve up the slow cooker chicken legs alongside roasted acorn squash or quick microwave spaghetti squash in the fall, or simple sauteed broccoli or roasted vegetables anytime of year. Potatoes – I love a baked sweet potato with this dish, but you could make regular potatoes in the air fryer or even Instant Pot baked potatoes instead. Noodles – I often prepare baked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles to go with this easy slow cooker drumsticks recipe, but regular pasta also works if it fits your lifestyle. Side Salad – For a light meal, make a zucchini salad, a refreshing Greek salad, or simple arugula salad to go on the side. For a heartier BBQ side make my roasted cauliflower salad recipe.
More Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
Whether I need something tasty for game day or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, Crock Pot chicken recipes always come to the rescue. Here are a few you have to try: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
Nutrition info per serving will vary depending on the size of your chicken legs and how many are in the 3 pounds for this recipe. The first 2 times I tested this Crock Pot chicken legs recipe, 3 pounds was 8 drumsticks. The third time and when the photos were taken, 3 pounds was 10 drumsticks. Nutrition info uses sugar free BBQ sauce, but regular also works.
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