Tender and Juicy Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat14gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks, skin-on8 pieces
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)1 cup
- Garlic powder1 teaspoon
- Onion powder1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika1 teaspoon
- Salt1 teaspoon
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 teaspoon
- Olive oil or cooking oil1 tablespoon
This recipe guides you through creating perfectly tender and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks using a slow cooker. The method infuses the chicken with smoky BBQ goodness while ensuring it cooks gently to maintain juiciness and tenderness. Ideal for beginner cooks with standard kitchen tools and common supermarket ingredients, this foolproof recipe includes essential food safety tips like cooking chicken to the safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £8 / ₹800 for 4 servings, with each serving containing around 320 kcal. It suits a balanced diet, is easy in complexity, and requires about 6 hours of slow cooking time with minimal hands-on preparation. Follow the steps carefully, and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal made simple!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
1Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture for better searing. Practice safe food handling – clean your hands and sanitize surfaces afterward to avoid cross-contamination.
Season the Chicken
2In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken drumsticks, coating all sides. This adds flavor and creates a tasty crust.
Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
3Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken drumsticks and brown on all sides for about 3 minutes per side. Searing locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Once browned, transfer drumsticks to the slow cooker.
Add BBQ Sauce
4Pour the BBQ sauce over the drumsticks in the slow cooker, turning the drumsticks in the sauce to coat evenly. This basting ensures the chicken becomes flavorful and tender during slow cooking.
Slow Cook the Chicken
5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. The low and slow process tenderizes the meat thoroughly while infusing it with BBQ flavor. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this lets heat escape and increases cooking time.
Check Internal Temperature
6Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick (avoiding the bone). The chicken is safely cooked and ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). If it hasn’t reached this, cook a little longer and check again.
Serve and Enjoy
7Once done, carefully remove the drumsticks from the slow cooker. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy tender, juicy slow-cooked BBQ chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides!
Cooking Tips
-For spicier BBQ drumsticks, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
-If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the drumsticks covered with BBQ sauce at 160°C (320°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, and always check internal temperature.
-To prevent sticking during searing, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid moving them too much.
-Use a clean plate and utensils for cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (or Crockpot)
- Skillet or frying pan (optional for searing)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
- Gloves (optional for handling raw chicken)
Shopping List
- [ ] 8 pieces chicken drumsticks (approx. $6) - Choose drumsticks with skin-on for juiciness and flavor.
- [ ] 1 cup BBQ sauce (approx. $3) - Pick your favorite brand or flavor; smoky or sweet varieties work well.
- [ ] Garlic powder (approx. $1 for a small bottle) - Check for fresh, fragrant powder.
- [ ] Onion powder (approx. $1) - Store in a dry place.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (approx. $2) - Adds smoky depth; optional if unavailable.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (approx. $1 each) - Freshly ground pepper enhances aroma.
- [ ] Olive oil or cooking oil (approx. $3) - For searing; can substitute with vegetable oil.
Total estimated cost: ~$10 USD (prices vary locally).
FAQ
Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed chicken drumsticks before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw them safely in the refrigerator overnight.
Do I have to sear the drumsticks before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but recommended for better flavor and texture. You can skip it if you are short on time, but the drumsticks won't have the same crust.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the drumstick, away from bone.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Yes, adding hearty vegetables like potatoes or carrots is a great idea. Just add them at the beginning so they cook thoroughly alongside the chicken.
What's the best way to store leftover cooked drumsticks?
Cool the drumsticks to room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.