• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Kitchen Divas
  • Recipes
  • Resources
    • Kitchen Divas Resources
    • Blogger Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Divas Resources
  • Blogger Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Honey BBQ Chicken Legs in Crock Pot

    Published: Jun 27, 2022 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 2 Comments

    Share169
    Pin2K
    Tweet
    Email
    2.1KShares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These honey BBQ chicken legs crock pot are tender, juicy, and full of BBQ flavor. One of my favorite slow cooker chicken drumstick recipes. Try out this simple drumstick crockpot recipe that's loaded with flavor for a simple weeknight dinner.

    Closeup shot of honey bbq chicken legs on plate.

    If chicken were a language, then I'd speak it fluently! There are so many awesome ways of making it and one of my favorites is this Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks.

    Drumsticks in the crockpot are easy to make and taste fantastic with or without sauce! Place them in the slow cooker, finish them under the broiler and you've got crispy chicken that's sublime!

    But not only that, slow cooker honey BBQ chicken drumsticks are a long-standing favorite in my home.

    I remember seeing my son's face smothered in the sauce as he devoured these BBQ drumsticks. Thinking about it, makes me smile and I sometimes wish he was still small.

    This was inspired by another chicken drumstick recipe on Kitchen Divas and pairs well with this amazing cheesy broccoli rice.

    If you enjoy cooking in the slow cooker, check out this balsamic beef recipe or this slow cooker rice casserole.

    Why You Will Love This Drumstick Crockpot Recipe

    • Budget-friendly meal. Drumsticks are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts but they're also easier on the wallet.
    • Slow cooking simplifies your life. The crock pot does most of the work and helps you get dinner on the table in a flash.
    • Healthy drumstick crockpot recipe the whole family loves!
    Closeup shot of slow cooker honey bbq chicken drumstick with bite taken out.

    Ingredients in Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    You only need a few basic ingredients to make one of my favorite chicken leg crockpot recipes. You'll find them all easily at your local grocery store.

    • Chicken drumsticks: Make chicken legs slow cooker with fresh or frozen chicken. It's best to thaw out in the refrigerator before cooking. You can use chicken leg quarters.
    • Paprika, salt, and pepper: Some spices to flavor the chicken as it cooks.
    • Barbecue sauce: Store-bought works great but you can also use homemade which gives you a bit more control over the sweetness and flavor.
    • Honey: Adds more sweetness to the bbq sauce.
    • Minced garlic: For a touch of additional flavor.

    See our recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    How to Make Honey BBQ Drumsticks in Crockpot

    It only takes a few simple steps to make these honey BBQ chicken legs in the crock pot. It's much easier than you might think, even when making homemade BBQ sauce.

    Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

    In a large resealable bag, combine the rub ingredients, add chicken pieces and shake until coated.

    Step 2: Slow Cook

    Prepare the slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken legs inside the bottom of the insert.

    Cook for 4-5 hours on low.

    Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

    You can make this while the chicken is cooking.

    Whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl to make the base BBQ sauce.

    For different flavoring, you can try adding any of the options listed in the ingredient section of the recipe card under "Extra Flavors".

    Step 4: Add the Sauce and Broil

    Adjust the oven rack so it's six inches from the broiler and turn it on. Prep your baking sheet and transfer the chicken from the slow cooker to the tray. Brush with sauce.

    Transfer chicken to rack and place in oven. Broil chicken legs or drumsticks until browned and lightly charred; about 10 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.

    Hint: Do not leave your oven unattended while broiling as your chicken can burn quickly if you're not careful

    Closeup shot of hand holding honey bbq chicken drumstick on plate next to more drumsticks.

    Substitutions

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this honey BBQ chicken legs in the crock pot recipe.

    • Chicken Legs: Swap out the chicken drumsticks with four chicken leg quarters, ten chicken thighs, or four chicken breasts instead. The larger the pieces of chicken, the longer the chicken will need to cook.
    • No Honey? Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
    • Paprika: If you prefer your bbq drumsticks a bit smoky, swap the regular paprika for smoked.
    • BBQ Sauce: Don't like storebought then make your own! Here's an easy homemade version. Simply combine the ingredients and mix it up!
      • ¾ - 1 cup ketchup
      • 3 tablespoons molasses, not blackstrap
      • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
      • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
      • salt and pepper to taste

    Variations

    Want to personalize this slow cooker honey bbq chicken drumsticks recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Plain: Serve the drumsticks without any sauce. Simply broil them in the oven without any sauce. You can even serve it up with a dipping sauce or two.
    • Spicy: Add chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the rub while cooking to imbue heat into the chicken.
    • Buffalo Sauce: Mix together ½ cup hot sauce, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of molasses (not blackstrap) or honey, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Brush on cooked chicken and broil instead of using the honey barbecue sauce.
    • Honey Glaze: Interested in adding the best honey glaze to your drumsticks? Look no further. Have a look at our Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs and broil that glaze right into your drumsticks.
    • Pick your favorite sauce and go to town: Storebought or homemade, just about anything works! We have an Asian Zing Sauce,

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, Slow Cooker Raspberry Chicken, or our Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Thighs.

    Equipment

    It only takes some basic equipment to make this super easy recipe.

    • Slow cooker
    • Broiler
    • Rimmed baking sheet
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Measuring cups
    • Measuring spoons
    • Aluminum foil

    Storage

    Leftovers: Cool and then store inside an airtight container inside your fridge for up to three days.

    Freezer: Freeze leftovers well sealed for up to three months.

    Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, not touching, in a pan large enough to hold all of the chicken pieces comfortably.

    Add enough chicken broth or water to barely cover the bottom of your pan. The steam created will help keep your chicken from drying out. Cover with foil and reheat the chicken for 15 minutes. Turn the oven up to 400 degrees, with chicken inside the oven, and remove the cover. Reheat for another 5 - 7 minutes and the skin has crisped up.

    What to Serve with Chicken Drumsticks

    Here are some of my favorite sides to serve up with this chicken leg crock pot recipe.

    • Sweet Potato Fries
    • Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
    • Creole Smoked Potato Salad
    • Classic Pasta Salad
    • Greek Rice Salad
    • Asparagus or another simple veggie
    Closeup shot of finished bbq drumsticks in the crockpot on plate.

    Tips

    Even though this recipe is super easy, I still have some tips to help you make it the best it can be.

    • Serve your drumsticks with a dip. You will find all our favorite dipping recipes here and, in my opinion, they are all keepers!
    • Watch the chicken in the broiler. Once you put your chicken under your broiler do not leave it unattended. Once your chicken starts to brown it will burn fast if you're not careful
    • Don't skip the sauce. Coated in sauce, you end up with sticky, gorgeous, tender chicken drumsticks that taste out of this world!

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this drumstick crockpot recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about drumsticks in the crockpot.

    Can barbecue sauce be used as a marinade for chicken?

    Yes, barbecue sauce makes a tasty marinade for chicken. In this recipe, the bbq sauce is added at the end of cooking but you also marinate the chicken in the bbq sauce for 8-12 hours prior to cooking them in the slow cooker. Be sure to discard the bbq sauce after marinating and use fresh to apply after cooking.

    Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the slow cooker?

    Both work great and it depends on how much time you have allotted for cooking. Since the low method takes more time, this setting is great to use if you will be away from home for 6 hours and want the chicken to keep cooking. The high setting takes less time and is great when you are working with a shorter amount of time for cooking.

    Can I leave chicken in the slow cooker all day?

    Yes and no. Chicken can cook in a slow cooker for 6-8 though the longer it cooks, the meat is more likely to slide off the bone. Just be sure that there is plenty of liquid so it doesn't dry out. I don't recommend cooking it for longer, especially if you aren't there to keep an eye on it as it may overcook.

    It's important the chicken doesn't sit for a long period of time after the crockpot is turned off. When not kept hot, chicken is more likely to be exposed to unsafe conditions.

    More Chicken Drumstick Recipes

    Here are my favorite drumstick recipes that taste just like chicken wings, only with a lot more meat on them. So exquisite, they're almost too good to be true.

    • Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
      Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
    • Easy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
      Easy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
    • Closeup shot of Chinese honey chicken drumsticks with rice on plate.
      Chinese Honey Chicken Drumsticks
    • Closeup photo of Teriyaki-Chicken-Drumsticks topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
      Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (Oven and Air Fryer)

    Honey BBQ Chicken Legs in Crock Pot

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    If you have a moment, please check out our video below! It will show you exactly how these drumsticks are made.  In the video we broil the drumsticks to crisp up the skin but you definitely don't have to!

    Chicken Leg Crockpot Recipe Video

    Closeup shot of honey bbq chicken legs on plate.

    Slow Cooker Honey Barbecue Drumsticks

    Slow Cooker BBQ or Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks or Legs is an easy, healthy, crock pot recipe, served plain or coated, oven broiled to crispy skin perfection!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 hrs
    Broil 15 mins
    Total Time 5 hrs 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 237 kcal

    Equipment

    • large slow cooker
    • oven broiler
    • rimmed baking sheet
    • rack
    • mixing bowl
    • whisk
    • Measuring cups
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients
      

    • 8-12 chicken drumsticks 2 - 3 pounds (¼ pound each)

    Spice Rub

    • 2-3 tablespoons paprika
    • 2-3 teaspoons salt
    • 2-3 teaspoons pepper

    Honey Barbecue Sauce

    • 1 cup barbecue sauce storebought or homemade
    • 2 - 4 tablespoons honey to taste
    • 2 tablespoons garlic minced

    Extra Flavor Options

    • ⅛ -¼ teaspoon liquid smoke 
    • 1-2 tablespoons mustard, yellow or dijon
    • 1-2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1-2 teaspoons chii powder
    • 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 jalapeño chile seeded and minced
    • 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chile in adobo minced

    Instructions
     

    • Get out and measure your ingredients.
      Overhead photo of all the ingredients.

    Making the Sauce

    • Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until needed.
      Pouring honey into a bowl with the sauce ingredients.
    • Stir unti blended.
      Sauce ingredients mixed well inside a bowl.

    Making your Drumsticks or Chicken Legs

    • Coat your slow cooker with cooking spray.
    • In a large resealable bag combine rub ingredients. Add drumsticks or chicken legs and adjust until coated.
      Seasoned chicken drumsticks.
    • Place drumsticks or chicken legs inside the slow cooker. Distribute them as evenly as possible. 
      Seasoned chicken drumsticks placed inside a slow cooker.
    • Cover and cook until chicken is cooked and tender; 4 to 5 hours on low.
      Chicken drumsticks cooked inside a slow cooker.
    • Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler and turn it on.
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with a rack. Lightly coat with cooking spray. 
    • Transfer chicken to rack and place in oven.
      Chicken drumsticks placed onto a rack.
    • Broil chicken legs or drumsticks until browned and lightly charred; about 10 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.
      Chicken broiled inside the oven and resting on a rack.
    • Brush chicken with sauce and continue to broil until lightly charred; about 5 minutes, flipping and brushing chicken with more sauce halfway through broiling.
      Brushing sauce onto the cooked chicken.
    • Remove from oven and brush chicken with remaining sauce.
      Chicken broiled and brushed with more sauce.
    • You will end up with a few dark spots. (I always do). I find the extreme high heat crisps up the outside of the drumsticks which makes them taste even better. Leave them until dark spots start to show up which usually takes just a few minutes.  Do not leave them unattended. Once these drumsticks start to burn, they will burn fast! 
      Closeup photo of cooked Chicken drumsticks on a rack.
    • Remove from baking sheet.
      Closeup photo of a Chicken drumstick held up by a pair of metal tongs.
    • Serve.
      Chicken drumsticks served on a white platter and garnished with chopped parsley.
    • Enjoy!
      Closeup photo of a Chicken drumstick help up by hand.
    • Every bite!
      Closeup shot of slow cooker honey bbq chicken drumstick with bite taken out.

    Notes

    • Serve your drumsticks with a dip. You will find all our favorite dipping recipes here and, in my opinion, they are all keepers!
    • Watch the chicken in the broiler. Once you put your chicken under your broiler do not leave it unattended. Once your chicken starts to brown it will burn fast if you're not careful
    • Don't skip the sauce. Coated in sauce, you end up with sticky, gorgeous, tender chicken drumsticks that taste out of this world!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1030mgPotassium: 286mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 191IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword bbq chicken crockpot, bbq drumsticks in crock pot, crockpot bbq chicken, crockpot bbq chicken legs, crockpot bbq drumsticks
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share169
    Pin2K
    Tweet
    Email
    2.1KShares
    2.1KShares

    More Main Courses

    • Closeup overhead shot of red chicken in white bowl with rice.
      Easy Red Chicken
    • What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
    • Mango French Toast
    • Alice springs chicken served up on a plate with fries and broccoli.
      Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karan

      December 26, 2018 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      An awesome dish I have ever seen it was really amazing. Really a mouth-watering dish which I have ever seen!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken

        January 09, 2019 at 11:44 am

        So happy you loved these as much as we do! You truly made my day! Take care and all the best. Karin

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    Read more...

    Latest Recipes

    • Easy Red Chicken
    • What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
    • Mango French Toast
    • Pesto Salad Dressing with Lemon

    Footer

    Join me in the kitchen for a week of our favorite Sweets and Treats!

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    © 2023 · Kitchen Divas · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy