These three-ingredient BBQ chicken drumsticks are slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender, then finished under the broiler for a caramelized, sticky glaze. Minimal prep and maximum flavor with just chicken, BBQ seasoning, and sauce.
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Season chicken drumsticks generously on all sides with your favorite BBQ seasoning.
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray.
Pour about half of the BBQ sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2.5-3.5 hours.
Preheat your oven's broiler. Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet.
Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until it has reduced by about half.
Brush half of the reduced sauce over the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet.
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges of the chicken skin begin to brown and caramelize.
Serve the chicken immediately, with the remaining reduced sauce on the side for dipping.
Store cooked drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
slow cooker · broiler or oven
Typically 4–6 hours on low until the meat is tender and pulls easily from the bone.
Yes, but reduce slow-cook time to 2–3 hours and watch closely to avoid drying out.
The broiler caramelizes the BBQ sauce and creates a sticky, glazed exterior without overcooking the meat.
Yes. Cook fully, refrigerate up to 3 days, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
Meat should pull easily from the bone and reach 165°F internal temperature at the thickest part.
