Slow Cooker Drumsticks Recipe

These Slow Cooker Drumsticks are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a rich, sticky BBQ glaze. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this is the perfect easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Slow Cooker Drumsticks: Instructions

1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with kitchen paper and place them into the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Stir the sauce mixture well until fully combined.
4. Pour the sauce evenly over the drumsticks, turning them gently to make sure they’re well coated.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker back over the drumsticks to build up a glossy glaze.
7. For a thicker, stickier sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking on high, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
8. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and is no longer pink near the bone.
9. Carefully lift the drumsticks out of the slow cooker, letting any excess sauce drip off.
10. Spoon a little extra sauce over the top for a beautiful, glossy finish.
11. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

These sticky, saucy dish is packed with bold BBQ flavour and require almost no effort — simply set the it and enjoy a fuss-free dinner.