Slow Cooker Drumsticks

 

🍗 Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🕕 Cook Time: 4–6 hours

🍽️ Servings: 4–6

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✅ Ingredients:

• 8–10 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (or your favorite marinade)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Drumsticks

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown better and reduces moisture). Place drumsticks in a large bowl.

2. Season

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Add to Slow Cooker

Place drumsticks in the slow cooker. You can add a layer of sliced onions or garlic on the bottom if desired for extra flavor.

4. Add Sauce

Pour BBQ sauce over the drumsticks and use a spoon or tongs to make sure they’re coated well.

5. Cook

• Low setting: 5–6 hours

• High setting: 3–4 hours
  Drumsticks should be cooked through and tender (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

6. Optional: Crisp the Skin

For a crispy finish:

• Preheat oven broiler to high.

• Place drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes until the skin is crispy and lightly charred. Watch carefully!

7. Serve

Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.

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🌟 Tips:

• Want extra flavor? Marinate the drumsticks in the seasoning + BBQ sauce overnight.

• Prefer a dry rub version? Omit the sauce and just cook the seasoned drumsticks with a splash of broth.

• Want sticky-sweet? Mix ¼ cup honey into your BBQ sauce.

• Meal prep? These reheat well and can be shredded for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Coleslaw or corn on the cob

• Roasted veggies or green beans

• Rice with chopped herbs or lemon zest