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–+ servings
BBQ chicken drumsticks lined on parchment paper served with extra BBQ sauce and crinkle cut celery and carrots.
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5 from 2 votes

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Our Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are sticky, sweet, and just a little spicy. Drumsticks made in the slow cooker are economical, kid-friendly, and tasty. The secret to making these crispy is giving them a few minutes under the broiler at the end.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 5 minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crockpot drumsticks
Servings: 6 servings (2 drumsticks per serving)
Calories: 423kcal
Author: Polly Conner

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups BBQ Sauce store-bought or our homemade version

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the drumsticks and rub it in to coat all sides.
  • Place the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker and cover with 1 cup of the BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or until cooked through. 
  • Position the top oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler. Preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. (Note: You can also use the grill for this step instead of the broiler, placing the drumsticks directly on the grill.)
  • Use tongs to place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet; discard any liquid. Brush the chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce and broil until the chicken starts to brown and look crispy, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken over, brush with another 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and broil until the skin begins to brown and look crispy, 2 to 3 minutes more. 
  • Serve warm with remaining BBQ sauce on the side.

Video

Notes

  • We use this same rub and BBQ sauce in our Instant Pot and Baked BBQ Drumsticks.
  • You can also use this rub and our BBQ sauce on chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Cook in the slow cooker on Low for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours or in the Instant Pot for 7 minutes with a quick release. Shred and serve on buns for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches.
  • We get our chicken from ButcherBox.

Nutrition

Serving: 2drumsticks | Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1723mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g