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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender Crockpot Recipe

This slow cooker recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender BBQ chicken drumsticks with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, these saucy drumsticks require just 10 minutes of prep and cook for 6-7 hours on low.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 3-4 pounds)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better and ensures even cooking. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in your slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece is well coated. Add the chicken broth or water to the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken carefully and set aside. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat with the thickened sauce. Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For crispy skin, transfer cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. These drumsticks freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.