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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: 5-Hour Tender Magic

slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks
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Slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks are an easy, flavorful meal with tender chicken coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 chicken drumsticks (about 2 ½–3 lbs)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite, plus extra for serving)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne (for heat)
  • Cooking spray or 1 tbsp oil (for the slow cooker)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray (or rub with a little oil).
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce (add cayenne if using).
  4. Place drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours (or HIGH for 2 ½–3 hours) until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. For that sticky, charred finish: transfer drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil 2–4 minutes per side until caramelized.
  7. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
  • Broiling adds a caramelized finish but is optional.
  • Adjust cayenne for desired heat level.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/