Perfectly Crispy Slow-Cooked Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat22gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks - choose fresh or thawed chicken with firm skin and avoid any with tears or bruises6 pieces
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for better flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic powder - for a subtle savory flavor1 tsp
- Smoked paprika - adds smoky depth and color1 tsp
- Salt - kosher or sea salt preferred1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground for best taste0.5 tsp
This recipe shows you how to prepare juicy and tender chicken drumsticks with a perfectly crispy skin using a slow cooker and a quick oven finish. The slow cooking method ensures the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender while finishing it in the oven or under a broiler crisps up the skin beautifully, adding a delightful texture contrast. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $8 / €7 / £6 / ₹600, and the dish contains about 350 kcal per serving. This recipe is suitable for a standard omnivore diet, easy to medium difficulty, and requires around 6 hours total, including slow cooking and oven crisping.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken drumsticks
1Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin become crispy later. Avoid washing raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination. Place them in a bowl.
Season the drumsticks
2Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Arrange in slow cooker
3Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in the slow cooker. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cover with the lid.
Slow cook the chicken
4Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat, measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, not touching bone.
Preheat oven for crisping
5When slow cooking is complete, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or set your oven broiler to medium-high.
Crisp the chicken skin
6Transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet lined with foil or a wire rack. Place in the preheated oven or under the broiler for 5-8 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Check temperature again
7Use a meat thermometer to check that the drumsticks still reach at least 74°C (165°F) internal temperature after crisping for food safety.
Serve and enjoy
8Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time lets the juices redistribute for juicier chicken.
Cooking Tips
1Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures better crispiness.
2Use a meat thermometer to reliably check doneness. Insert away from bone to avoid false readings.
3If you don't have a slow cooker, you can use a low oven temperature (130°C/265°F) to slowly cook the chicken covered in a baking dish for 2 hours, then crisp skin under broiler.
4Marinating the drumsticks in a mix of olive oil and spices for 1 hour before cooking can enhance flavor.
5Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker or baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Oven or broiler
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet and foil or wire rack
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spoon for toss and transfer
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (6 pieces) — approximately $6. Choose fresh, plump pieces with no discoloration.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) — approximately $2. Look for extra virgin for healthiest flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder (small jar) — approximately $1. Use fresh spices for best taste.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) — approximately $1. Adds wonderful smoky flavor.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper — should be staples, if not, buy small containers for around $1 each.
Total approximate cost: $8
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
It's best to fully thaw frozen chicken drumsticks before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the chicken is safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 74°C (165°F).
Can I skip the oven crisping step?
Yes, but the skin will remain soft. The oven crisping step adds a delicious crispy texture to the skin.
Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or spices like cumin to suit your taste.