Slow Cooker Drumsticks

Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Drumsticks are the ultimate no-stress dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family meals. This recipe delivers deeply seasoned drumsticks that stay moist on the inside while finishing with a flavorful glaze on the outside.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, slow cooker drumsticks are a budget-friendly, versatile option that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work
Budget-friendly: Drumsticks are affordable and filling
Juicy & tender: Slow cooking keeps the chicken moist
Versatile flavors: Easy to customize with different sauces
Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully

Ingredients (Serves 4)

8–10 chicken drumsticks
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
½ cup chicken broth

Optional Glaze or Sauce (choose one):

½ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup honey garlic sauce
½ cup teriyaki sauce
¼ cup soy sauce + 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Drumsticks

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.

Tip: Drying the chicken first helps the seasoning stick better and improves flavor.

Step 2: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker, stacking them if needed. Pour the chicken broth around (not over) the drumsticks to keep them moist while cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

On LOW: 4–5 hours
On HIGH: 2½–3 hours

The drumsticks are done when the meat is very tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add Sauce (Optional)

If using a glaze or sauce, brush or spoon it over the drumsticks during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the flavors to soak into the chicken without burning.

Step 5: Optional Crisp Finish

Slow cooker chicken is tender but not crispy. For crispy skin:

Preheat your oven broiler.
Transfer drumsticks to a lined baking sheet.
Brush with extra sauce if desired.
Broil for 3–5 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned and sticky.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slow cooker drumsticks with:

Mashed potatoes or rice
Steamed vegetables or roasted carrots
Coleslaw or simple green salad
Corn on the cob or baked beans

They’re also great for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Drumsticks

Avoid overcrowding: Stack carefully so heat circulates evenly.
Use a liner: Makes cleanup quick and easy.
Add sauce later: Prevents watery or overly diluted flavors.
Finish under the broiler: Adds texture and caramelization.
Check doneness: Meat should pull easily from the bone.

Flavor Variations

BBQ Drumsticks: Use smoky barbecue sauce and a pinch of chili powder.
Honey Garlic: Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Lemon Herb: Add lemon juice, zest, rosemary, and thyme.
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
Asian-Style: Use teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works

Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in drumsticks to break down gently, resulting in incredibly tender meat. Seasoning the chicken before cooking ensures flavor throughout, while adding sauce near the end prevents it from becoming watery. The optional broil step gives you the best of both worlds—tender meat with a lightly crisp exterior.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Drumsticks are proof that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy households, beginner cooks, or anyone who loves comforting, home-cooked food. Customize the seasoning or sauce to suit your taste, and enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken every time.