Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy, tender chicken drumsticks slow-cooked in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for broiling)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for stickier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Prepare your drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Whisk the BBQ sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Cook the drumsticks: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over them. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Broil for extra flavor: After cooking, transfer drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra BBQ sauce, and broil for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches at least 165°F. Customize spices and BBQ sauce flavors to suit your family’s taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg