Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Easy, Fall-Off-The-Bone Recipe
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These BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks are an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for family barbecues, potlucks, game day gatherings, or simply a satisfying weeknight meal. The secret lies in the irresistible dry rub, perfectly balanced with spicy, sweet, and savory notes. Imagine tender, juicy chicken drumsticks, infused with flavor from the inside out, practically falling off the bone after a day of slow cooking. Forget dry, lackluster chicken – this recipe delivers a truly exceptional eating experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet incredibly delicious dish!
The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Dry Rub
The heart of this recipe is the dry rub, a carefully crafted blend of spices and brown sugar that elevates the chicken to another level. This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill dry rub; it’s a symphony of flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory elements creates a complex and unforgettable taste experience that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
I’m a huge advocate for using brown sugar in BBQ dry rubs. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances the heat and creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the chicken. Some may argue against it, but I firmly believe that the best BBQ chicken is both spicy and sweet, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.
This dry rub recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used on other cuts of chicken, pork, or even ribs. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether. The key is to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors that you enjoy.
Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing BBQ chicken dry rub:
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor and vibrant color. Use smoked paprika for an even more intense smoky taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and pungent aroma.
- Onion Powder: Contributes a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- Dry Mustard: Provides a tangy, slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness and spice.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks Are a Game Changer
Confession time: I used to be a skeptic when it came to cooking chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker. I’m accustomed to seeing them baked or grilled to crispy perfection, so the thought of submerging them in sauce and slow-cooking them like a stew seemed a bit unconventional, to say the least.
However, I was absolutely blown away by the results! These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are a completely different experience compared to their crispy-skinned counterparts, and they are equally, if not more, delicious. The slow cooking process renders the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, resulting in a “fall-off-the-bone” texture that’s simply irresistible.
Think of it as a chicken version of fall-off-the-bone ribs – who wouldn’t love that? The slow cooker allows the flavors of the dry rub and BBQ sauce to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce that coats the chicken in deliciousness. It’s the perfect way to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off way to cook chicken drumsticks, the slow cooker is your best friend. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to go when you get home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
One of the greatest advantages of making drumsticks in the slow cooker is its complete hands-off nature. You simply combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and walk away for 6-7 hours, returning to perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone chicken. This makes it an ideal meal for busy individuals or families who value convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to create these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken drumsticks:
- Prepare the Dry Rub: Begin by combining all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Mix them thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that there are no clumps of brown sugar or spices. This ensures even distribution of flavors when applied to the chicken.
- Rub the Chicken: Generously rub the dry rub mixture onto the chicken drumsticks. Don’t be shy – the more you rub it in, the better the flavor penetration will be. Use your hands to massage the rub into every nook and cranny of the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. You might need to overcome any hesitation about touching raw meat, but trust me, the results are worth it!
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the rubbed drumsticks into the slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat them evenly. You can use any type of BBQ sauce you prefer, from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for approximately 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness around the 6-hour mark.
- Optional Broiling for Extra Flavor: While the chicken will be delicious straight from the slow cooker, you can take it to the next level by adding an extra step. Transfer the cooked drumsticks to a sheet pan lined with foil. Brush them with an additional 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, ensuring that they’re evenly coated. Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the drumsticks from the broiler and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own, with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob, or as part of a larger BBQ feast.
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and allows for adjustments to suit your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the BBQ sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!
More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of slow cooker chicken, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes that are sure to become staples in your household:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan: A classic Italian dish made easy in the slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
- Chicken Fajitas in the Slow Cooker: A flavorful and customizable meal that’s perfect for a crowd. Chicken breasts cooked with bell peppers and onions in a zesty fajita seasoning.
- Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: A creamy and decadent dish that’s sure to impress. Chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious slow cooker chicken recipes out there. With a little creativity, you can transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary meals that are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Julia Pacheco
5 minutes
6 hours
6 hours
5 minutes
4
servings
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