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    Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs

    Slow Cooker Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Easy Chicken Recipes Kid Friendly Main Courses July 3, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 44 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are tender and juicy and practically hands off in your slow cooker. This cheap and easy chicken recipe is the ultimate kid-friendly slow cooker dinner option perfect for any day of the week!

    This recipe for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs is a simple family-favorite recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken drumsticks with minimal effort.

    Make it a meal by pairing Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Air Fryer Corn on the Cob and Baked Fries.

    Crockpot chicken legs on platter brushed with BBQ sauce.


    If you are looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing, picky-eater-approved, affordable dinner recipe, look no further than this recipe for Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks.

    Seasoned with a homemade dry rub and finished with BBQ sauce, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are one of the easiest, tastiest recipes for chicken legs ever. You are going to love this simple chicken recipe.

    why you will love this recipe

    • Flavorful. These chicken drumsticks are perfectly seasoned, perfectly tender, smoky, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
    • Economical. Chicken Legs are super affordable and easy to find at just about any grocery store.
    • Easy. Crockpot meals are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner recipes! This recipe for chicken legs comes together with very little effort, making it perfect for busy nights.
    • Allergy-Friendly. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free.
    • Weather-Proof. Because this recipe is made in the slow cooker unlike Grilled BBQ Chicken, it is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of barbecue year-long, even on rainy days.

    What You Need For This Recipe

    Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Legs labeled on counter.
    • Chicken Legs: Use fresh or defrosted frozen chicken legs, sometimes called drumsticks.
    • Spice Rub: This simple dry rub is made with brown sugar, kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. You could also use homemade seasoned salt if you would like to season the chicken without added sugar.
    • BBQ Sauce: Finish the chicken legs with Homemade BBQ Sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce for additional flavor.

    How to Make BBQ Chicken Legs in the Crockpot

    Step One: Season the Chicken Legs. Be sure to really rub the chicken legs with the spice blend. This will ensure each bite is well flavored.

    Chicken legs seasoned with dry rub on cutting board.

    Step Two: Slow Cook Chicken Legs. Cook the seasoned drumsticks until the chicken reaches 162 to 165 degrees F, which can be anywhere from 2-5 hours depending on your model of the slow cooker and if you cook your chicken on low or high.

    Cooked chicken legs in slow cooker.

    Step Three: Broil. In order to finish the chicken legs with a crispy, sticky exterior that is coated with BBQ sauce, it is best to broil the chicken legs after they are slow-cooked.

    BBQ Chicken Legs on sheet pan brushed with BBQ Sauce.

    Serving Suggestions

    Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks is a family-favorite chicken recipe. Picky eaters are won over by the sticky sweet finish and parents love how easy this recipe is to prepare.

    BBQ Chicken Legs pair well with endless side dishes, just don't forget the napkins!

    BBQ Chicken Drumstick with bite taken out of it, showing juicy meat.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long does it take to cook chicken legs in a crockpot?

    Slow cookers, just like ovens, can vary in temperature. A traditional crockpot with a ceramic base takes about 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low to cook chicken legs. All-Clad models typically cook a bit faster, so I would recommend checking the internal temperature 30 minute prior to the suggested cooking time.

    How do you know when chicken legs are fully cooked?

    The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked, but not overcooked is to use a digital thermometer. Once the center of a chicken leg reaches between 162 to 165 degrees F the drumsticks are perfectly cooked.

    Can you make this recipe with skinless chicken legs?

    If you don't like chicken skin, peel off the skin and discard it. Rub with the spice blend and cook as directed. I still like to broil or grill the chicken legs for a few minutes on each side to help the BBQ Sauce get a nice sticky finish.  

    Does this work with other seasonings?

    Absolutely! Feel free to replace the dry rub with 2 tablespoons of Homemade Ranch Seasoning, Jerk Seasoning, Homemade Seasoned Salt, or Homemade Taco Seasoning.

    More Easy Chicken Recipes

    • Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Air Fryer Chicken Legs
    • Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
    • Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
    • Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    If you enjoyed this recipe for Crockpot Chicken Legs, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Crockpot BBQ chicken legs on platter.

    Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs

    This recipe for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs is a simple family-favorite recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken drumsticks with minimal effort.
    5 from 24 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 246kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 12 chicken drumsticks skin on or off
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce

    For the Rub

    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper together.
    • Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel and liberally rub the chicken legs with the spice rub, coating to cover.
      Chicken legs seasoned with dry rub on cutting board.
    • Place the chicken legs into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
      Cooked chicken legs in slow cooker.
    • Once the chicken legs have reached an internal temperature of 162-165℉, remove them from the slow cooker and place them onto a sheet pan or broiler pan. Brush the chicken legs with barbeque sauce and broil until crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
      BBQ Chicken Legs on sheet pan brushed with BBQ Sauce.
    • Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

    Equipment Needed

    • 6-8 quart Slow Cooker

    Notes

    Chicken Skin: If you don't like chicken skin, peel off the skin before rubbing with the spice blend,  for skinless chicken legs. I still like to broil or grill the chicken legs for a few minutes on each side to give a golden exterior to the chicken legs. 
    Brown Sugar: This is completely optional, but adds a nice balance to the rub. 
    All-Clad Slow Cookers: These models can cook a bit faster, so begin checking the temperature of the chicken 30 minutes prior to what the recipe states. 
    Determining Cook Time: The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked, but not overcooked is to use a digital thermometer. Once the center of a chicken leg reaches between 162 to 165 degrees F the drumsticks are perfectly cooked.
    Storage: Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat by broiling under a broiler for 2-3 minutes per side. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 546mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 399IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Instant Pot Potato Salad
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Natasha

      August 14, 2023 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are one of the best recipes for chicken legs that I've tried. It came out so juicy and tasty, my family loved this recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 14, 2023 at 7:18 am

        Thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe so much! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Kara

      August 03, 2023 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      My kids went crazy for these! Glad you included the broiling step - that makes a big difference!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 03, 2023 at 7:47 pm

        So happy your kids enjoyed the chicken legs! And I agree, the broiling does make a big difference.

        Reply
    3. Sharina

      July 27, 2023 at 12:46 am

      5 stars
      This chicken legs recipe is one of the easiest! Thanks to the crockpot, it turned out so tender and juicy, plus it is brimming with flavors.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 27, 2023 at 7:23 am

        Thank you for sharing you enjoyed this recipe, Sharina!

        Reply
    4. Reginia Sam

      August 30, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      How many thighs should we use?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 30, 2021 at 7:08 pm

        I would suggest 8-10 thighs. Enjoy@

        Reply
    5. Allyssa

      August 04, 2021 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      This is so perfect and and very flavorful! Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely make this again! Well done!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 04, 2021 at 7:27 am

        I am so happy to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing Allyssa!

        Reply
    6. Betsy

      August 04, 2021 at 12:20 am

      5 stars
      Wonderfully tender and so full of incredible flavor! And this was so easy! I could easily do this anyday! Kids love it and want it again soon!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 04, 2021 at 7:28 am

        When the kids love it--you know it is a keeper! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    7. Andrea Thueson

      August 03, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good crockpot recipe, and this recipe did not disappoint! Everyone loved them!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 04, 2021 at 7:30 am

        Thanks for sharing Andrea!

        Reply
    8. KetoRico

      March 15, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome recipe. Very simple and easy to make. My question is can tomato sauce or glass jar tomato sauce because I think it makes a difference?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 15, 2019 at 7:57 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed!! Yes, I am referring to canned tomato sauce..jarred tomato sauce is often flavored with Italian spices and sugar.

        Reply
    9. Carmen

      February 27, 2019 at 8:42 am

      These look delicious! I'm wanting to get rid of my crock pot and just keep the instant pot for doing slow cooking. I read your other post on the differences between regular show cookers and the IP. How would you convert this recipe? Add liquid? What time and temp? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 27, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        Hi Carmen! I need to create this recipe FOR the instant pot. But in the meantime, I would try it on high slow cooker function as recipe is written (pressure won't build so you don't need excess liquid) and cook for 2.5 hours on high. Let me know how they turn out. Using the Instant Pot as as a slow cooker is not my favorite function.

        Reply
        • Carmen

          February 28, 2019 at 10:26 am

          That's so sad! I originally got the IP because I wanted a rice cooker without a non-stick coating. Then I got really excited thinking that I could get rid of other bulky equipment. I'll try it, though and report back!

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            February 28, 2019 at 11:01 am

            Sorry Carmen! I just want to be 100% honest with you! I love my Instant Pot and use it so much more than my slow cooker (so I have a lot of recipes that have been converted for Instant Pot that were originally for the slow cooker--check out my recipes here: https://amindfullmom.com/easy-healthy-instant-pot-recipes/).

            Reply
            • Carmen

              March 03, 2019 at 4:08 pm

              5 stars
              No worries! I appreciate the honesty 😉 I made the chicken twice this week, once on high for 2 1/2 hours and once on low for 4 1/2 (the second time I did 16 legs, so increased the time a little). Both times the chicken came out great. My one complaint is that the legs didn't cook very evenly, the ones on the top are cooked through to a safe temp, but not as tender as the bottom ones, which might have been a tad overcooked. I think this was because I had to layer the legs because the IP is taller and skinnier than my crock pot is. Next time I'll try cooking only one layer and see how that works. Thanks for the great recipe!

            • Kristen Chidsey

              March 03, 2019 at 8:42 pm

              I am so glad you enjoyed the chicken legs. And yes, layering and using as a slow cooker may cause the issues of under and over cooked meat. Thank you for letting us know your results 🙂

    10. Lana

      December 02, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      I made this dish tonight for dinner and it was a success!! No left overs at all:)
      Thank you for this delicious and easy recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 03, 2018 at 6:54 am

        Thanks for sharing Lana! I am so glad your family enjoyed this! It is such an easy meal!

        Reply
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    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

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