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+ servings
Black platter with handles with chicken drumsticks on it
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5 from 27 votes

Crock Pot Chicken Legs

Tender, juicy chicken legs with a homemade rub that are cooked in your slow cooker with BBQ sauced then finished off in the broiler for finger licking good drumsticks!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

Rub

  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Chicken

  • 4 lb chicken legs
  • 2 c. BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients until completely mixed. Rub spice mixture over the chicken legs and then place them in the slow cooker in layers.
  • Pour 1 c. of the BBQ sauce over the top of chicken legs. Gently toss to coat.
  • Cook on low 5-6 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
  • When the chicken legs are done cooking, preheat the broiler to high.
  • Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet pan.
  • Remove chicken drumsticks from the crock pot and place them on a wire rack. Brush the drumsticks with remaining BBQ sauce. Broil 3-5 minutes or until the edges are starting. Turn the chicken legs over, brush with remaining BBQ sauce and broil that side for 3-5 minutes or until the edges are starting.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

How do you know when chicken legs are done?
The should be at least 165°F. The easiest way to measure this is with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can tell when they are done because the juices will run clear. You can also cut into one to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
Can you use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can! You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on how big they are.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes, you can cook frozen ones but you will need to increase the cooking time by approximately an hour.
How long do leftovers keep?
BBQ drumsticks will keep two to three days in the refrigerator. You can warm them up in the microwave or enjoy them cold!

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1009mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg