There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow cooker quietly doing its thing while dinner practically makes itself. Crock pot chicken drumsticks are one of those dependable, family-friendly meals that never disappoint. They’re tender, juicy, and infused with flavor from hours of gentle cooking, making them perfect for busy days when you still want something hearty and homemade on the table.

Chicken drumsticks are especially well-suited for the slow cooker. The dark meat stays moist and flavorful, even after hours of cooking, and the skin and bone add richness to the sauce as everything simmers together. Whether you coat them in a savory seasoning blend or smother them in a tangy sauce, crock pot drumsticks turn out satisfying every single time.

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can keep it classic and savory, lean sweet and smoky with barbecue sauce, or even give it a spicy kick. No matter how you flavor them, the result is always the same: tender chicken that practically falls off the bone and a meal that feels cozy, comforting, and effortless.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, these crock pot chicken drumsticks are a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Ingredients:

8–10 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce (or chicken broth for savory version)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced

Instructions:

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks.
Place sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot.
Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on top.
Pour barbecue sauce (or broth) evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Optional: For crispy skin, transfer drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Tender, juicy chicken drumsticks slow cooked with seasoning and sauce for an easy comfort-food dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chicken

8–10 pieces chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 cup barbecue sauce or chicken broth

Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl

Method

Season chicken drumsticks evenly.
Place onion and garlic in slow cooker and top with chicken.
Pour sauce over chicken and cook until tender.
Optional: broil briefly for crispy skin.

Notes

Broiling at the end adds texture but is optional.

Tips & Tricks

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better.
Broiling at the end adds great texture if you prefer crispy skin.
Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker so the chicken cooks evenly.

Variations

Use honey garlic sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Add hot sauce or cayenne for heat.
Use Italian seasoning and broth for a herby version.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. The extra sauce is perfect for spooning over sides.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

FAQ
Can I cook frozen drumsticks? It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.
Can I make this ahead? Yes, it reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.

History / Fun Facts
Slow-cooked chicken dishes have long been popular for their simplicity and tenderness, making drumsticks a favorite cut for hands-off cooking methods like the crock pot.

Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks – Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender and Full of Flavor