Put Raw Chicken Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker With These 3 Ingredients. You’ll Want It Every Night
Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. No long ingredient lists, no complicated steps—just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker doing all the work. This slow cooker chicken drumsticks recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques to make a meal that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
With just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can turn raw chicken drumsticks into tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights easier and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Chicken drumsticks are naturally flavorful and affordable. When cooked slowly at a low temperature, they absorb seasoning beautifully and become incredibly tender without drying out. The slow cooker locks in moisture, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and safely with almost no effort.
This recipe is popular because it:
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Uses minimal ingredients
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Requires no browning or pre-cooking
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Produces consistent, reliable results
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Works for meal prep or family dinners
It’s also easy to customize once you master the base recipe.
The 3 Simple Ingredients
You’ll only need:
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Raw chicken drumsticks
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Barbecue sauce (or your favorite bottled sauce)
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Seasoning mix (salt, pepper, garlic powder, or a store-bought chicken seasoning)
That’s it. No added liquids are needed—the chicken releases enough natural juices during cooking.
Ingredients List
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8–10 raw chicken drumsticks
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1½ cups barbecue sauce (or sauce of choice)
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1–2 teaspoons seasoning mix
Optional additions (not required):
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Onion powder
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Smoked paprika
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Chili flakes for heat
Time and Temperature
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time:
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Low: 6–7 hours
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High: 3–4 hours
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Total Time: Up to 7 hours
Slow cookers operate at a safe temperature that fully cooks chicken when given enough time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Remove the chicken drumsticks from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and prevents excess liquid.
Step 2: Season
Place the drumsticks directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with your seasoning mix, making sure all sides are lightly coated.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken. Use tongs or a spoon to gently coat all drumsticks.
Step 4: Cook
Cover with the lid and cook:
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On LOW for 6–7 hours, or
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On HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and easily pulls away from the bone.
Optional Finishing Step (Highly Recommended)
For crispy skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 3–5 minutes. Brush with extra sauce if desired.
This step is optional but adds texture and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
These drumsticks are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Rice or noodles
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Coleslaw or salad
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Steamed vegetables
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Corn on the cob
They also work great for:
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Meal prep
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Game nights
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Casual family dinners
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer
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Add a little extra sauce when reheating to keep them moist
You can also freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Want This Every Night
This recipe checks all the boxes:
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Minimal effort
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Affordable ingredients
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Crowd-pleasing flavor
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Foolproof cooking method
Once you try it, it becomes one of those go-to meals you rely on when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner—but still want something satisfying.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try:
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Honey garlic sauce instead of BBQ
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Teriyaki sauce with sesame seeds
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Buffalo sauce with ranch on the side
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Lemon herb seasoning with olive oil
The same method works every time.
Conclusion
Putting raw chicken drumsticks into a slow cooker with just three ingredients may sound too easy—but the results speak for themselves. Tender, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe proves that simple food can still be incredibly satisfying.
If you’re looking for a dinner you’ll actually want to repeat, this might just become a nightly favorite.