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Ultimate Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Fall Off The Bone Tender

Discover the easiest way to make incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ chicken drumsticks right in your slow cooker. This set-and-forget method delivers perfectly saucy chicken legs that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in your slow cooker. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures even cooking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Use tongs to gently toss the drumsticks in the sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it easily pulls away from the bone.
  5. For a thicker sauce, carefully transfer the cooked drumsticks to a serving platter. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened, then pour over the drumsticks.

Notes

Choose drumsticks for perfect slow cooking results, use high-quality BBQ sauce, don't overcrowd the slow cooker, and for extra texture transfer to baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.