Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

How do I ensure I don’t undercook my BBQ chicken legs?

Chicken meat is very easy to undercook since the cooking time varies depending on the cuts and cooking methods you use. However, there’s an easy, surefire way to ensure you only ever serve thoroughly and safely cooked meat to your family.

That’s none other than using a meat thermometer. Regardless of the cut or cooking method you use, chicken meat should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for it to be considered fully cooked. 

Using a thermometer is always a reliable indication of whether chicken is cooked. In fact, this method can also be used for beef, pork, and other meats too.

The USDA created this handy safe minimum internal temperature chart so you will never undercook your food again.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory, rich, and tender – those are some of the best aspects of these crock pot chicken drumsticks. But there are absolutely more things to love about this recipe!

• It’s very effortless to make. Just prepare and season the meat, leave them in the slow cooker, and in a couple of hours, you’ll have some of the best chicken legs you’ve ever tasted! 
• This crock pot recipe is kid-friendly. Even your pickiest eaters will enjoy the irresistibly juicy BBQ drumsticks.
• These crock pot drumsticks are versatile. You can serve them along with almost any side dish to make a hearty meal.

If you love crock pot recipes and are also expecting vegetarian guests, you may want to check out this Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili recipe for your next meal.

🥘 Ingredients

Here are the necessary ingredients you need to make BBQ chicken drumsticks.

• Chicken legs: The skin on the chicken legs and the bone will help keep in the juices even when they’re cooked, making every bite very tender.
• BBQ sauce: 1 cup of BBQ sauce is all you need to pack this dish with smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. 
• Rotisserie seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices enriches the flavor profile of the dish with its aromatic characteristics.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔀 Substitutions

Chicken Legs: You can switch out the chicken drumstick with some skinless chicken breasts if you want a leaner alternative.

BBQ Sauce: You can make a homemade BBQ sauce to give a more hands-on feel to these BBQ slow cooker chicken drumsticks.

🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Ready your taste buds for some irresistible twists to this slow cooker chicken drumsticks recipe.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce to create an easy chicken BBQ spice rub that’ll give heat to these crockpot BBQ chicken legs.
• Asian Style: Put some Hoisin sauce onto the chicken instead of the traditional BBQ. Remember to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for the final touches.
• Smoky Maple Flavor: Add in liquid smoke and maple syrup to experience a smoky-sweet flavor combo. This variation will make your dish taste like it just came right off the grill.

If, instead, you need a last-minute chicken fix for lunch or dinner, you definitely won’t be disappointed by this lemon chicken recipe. In just 45 minutes, your meal will be all set for the entire family.

🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

Bring out these tools so you can cook these slow cooker BBQ chicken drumsticks with no delays. 

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You’ll need precise measurements to ensure consistent flavor and texture when you make these crock pot chicken legs.
• Tongs: Use this tool to make BBQ chicken legs evenly coated with the BBQ sauce and Rotisserie chicken seasoning mixture.

🔪 How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

This BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe requires a long cook time. But once you taste the drumsticks coated with bbq sauce on top, you’ll realize that the wait is, no doubt, worth it.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken legs

Place the drumsticks in an even layer in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the seasoning

Sprinkle the rotisserie seasoning on the chicken legs inside the crockpot. Use your hands or tongs as needed to ensure that each leg is fully coated with the seasoning mixture. 

Step 3: Pour in the sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce onto the chicken legs. Again, make sure to coat them evenly for a consistent flavor throughout.

Step 4: Add water

Add half a cup of water to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook the chicken drumsticks

Cook your chicken legs on the low setting for 5-6 hours or cook on high for 2-3 hours. Both methods will make the dish just as good.

Step 6: Serve

Your chicken is ready to be served!

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

• To make sure every piece is evenly coated, season the chicken legs with the BBQ seasoning before adding each one to the crockpot.
• Prep ahead and marinate your chicken with rotisserie seasoning a day before you cook this dish to enjoy a richer flavor with each bite.

❓ Recipe FAQs

🙏 Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs:

🛑 Food safety

• Thaw your meat thoroughly before cooking. Never put frozen chicken inside your slow cooker.
• Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken to ensure you don’t spread bacteria in your cooking area.