Irresistible Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Craving a delicious, no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself? My Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend meals.

These drumsticks are fall-off-the-bone tender, coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce that’s impossible to resist. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting—leaving you more time to relax or whip up some tasty sides.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, these slow cooker chicken drumsticks bring big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into everything you need to make this comforting and crowd-pleasing dish!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks recipe:

• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons hot water (for mixing with the cornstarch)

Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best results—I love using a smoky, tangy variety to balance the sweetness of the honey.

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools makes this recipe even more of a breeze. Here’s what I use every time:

1. Slow Cooker / Crock Pot – The star of the show! A 4- to 6-quart size works best.
2. Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven – For browning the drumsticks before slow cooking (optional but adds flavor).
3. Mixing Bowl – To whisk together the honey BBQ sauce.
4. Tongs – For flipping the drumsticks during searing and placing them in the crock pot.
5. Meat Thermometer – Ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Whisk – For mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
7. Baking Sheet & Wire Rack (optional) – For broiling the drumsticks to crisp the skin before serving.

Prepping the Chicken Drumsticks

Before the magic of slow cooking begins, here’s how I get the drumsticks ready for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 1: Season and Sear

Start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up a bit during the browning stage. Season each drumstick lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.

In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the drumsticks for about 1 minute per side. You’re not fully cooking them here—just giving them a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until fully combined. This sweet and tangy mixture will infuse the chicken with deep, rich flavor as it simmers low and slow.

Setting Up the Crock Pot

Now that the chicken is seasoned and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together in the slow cooker.

Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot

Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This helps with cleanup later and keeps the sauce from sticking too much.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Pour a small amount of the honey BBQ sauce mixture into the bottom of the crock pot—just enough to coat the base. Then, arrange the browned drumsticks in the crock pot. It’s totally fine if some of them overlap or are slightly stacked.

Once all the drumsticks are in, pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure each piece is well coated. Don’t worry if the sauce doesn’t fully cover the chicken—the steam will help circulate the flavor as it cooks.

Cooking the Drumsticks

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of slow cooking. Here’s how long and at what setting to get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken:

• Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook the drumsticks for 4 hours.
• After 4 hours, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F—the safe temperature for poultry.

If you prefer, you can also cook them on HIGH for about 2½ to 3 hours, though I recommend the low-and-slow method for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.

Thickening the Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, you’ll want to thicken the sauce for a richer coating.

1. Remove the drumsticks and set them aside on a serving platter or plate.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of hot water until smooth.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce remaining in the crock pot and whisk to combine.
4. With the slow cooker still on LOW, cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Once the sauce is thickened, you can return the drumsticks to the pot and gently toss them to coat evenly.

Optional Step: Broil for Crispy Skin

If you’re like me and enjoy a little crispy texture on your chicken, this optional step is a game-changer!

How to Crisp the Skin

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire cooling rack on top.
3. Arrange the cooked drumsticks on the rack, making sure they’re not touching.
4. Brush a little extra sauce over the top of each drumstick for added flavor and caramelization.
5. Place the tray on the middle oven rack (not too close to the broiler element).
6. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely the entire time. You’re looking for the skin to blister slightly and take on a deep golden color—don’t walk away!

Pro Tip: This step adds a restaurant-style finish, especially if you plan to serve the drumsticks at a party or special gathering.

Serving Suggestions

These crock pot chicken drumsticks are delicious straight from the slow cooker, coated in that thick, sticky honey BBQ sauce. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

Best Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn on the cob
• Coleslaw for a cool, tangy contrast
• Mac and cheese for an ultra-comforting combo
• Steamed rice or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up extra sauce

Serving Ideas

• For a casual dinner, pile the drumsticks high on a platter with your favorite sides.
• For game day or parties, serve them as finger food with extra sauce on the side and toothpicks or napkins ready.
• These also make an awesome meal prep protein—just pack with your favorite grains and veggies in lunch containers.

Storage Instructions

Don’t worry if you have leftovers—these sticky, saucy chicken drumsticks store and reheat beautifully.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled drumsticks and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, place the drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date your container.

Pro Tip: Freeze the sauce separately in a small container to avoid mushy texture when reheating.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to bring them back to life without drying them out:

• Microwave: Place a few drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Arrange drumsticks in a baking dish, spoon a little sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or sauce.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a crowd, this dish is packed with bold BBQ flavor, tender meat, and just the right touch of sweetness from the honey.

From prepping and slow cooking to crisping and serving, every step in this recipe is designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort. And with simple storage and reheating tips, leftovers are just as tasty the next day.