Go Back
BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot cooked until tender

BBQ Chicken Legs in a Crock Pot

BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot are a fall-off-the-bone, flavor-packed dinner with zero fuss. Perfect for busy nights or weekend feasts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce sweet or smoky
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
  • Cooking spray or slow cooker liner

Equipment

  • 1 Crock Pot (6-quart or larger)
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Measuring Spoon Set
  • 1 Baking Sheet (optional, for broiling)

Method
 

  1. Spray the crock pot or line it with a slow cooker liner.
  2. Place chicken drumsticks in a single or slightly stacked layer.
  3. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
  4. Pour sauce mixture evenly over chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  6. Optional: Broil chicken for 3–5 minutes to caramelize sauce.
  7. Serve hot with extra sauce and your favorite sides.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on drumsticks for best results.
Avoid adding water, chicken releases moisture as it cooks.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of broth.