Are you ready to transform ordinary chicken drumsticks into a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds? This Crockpot Chicken Honey BBQ Drumsticks recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution - tender, juicy, and packed with irresistible sweet and savory flavors that require minimal effort but deliver maximum deliciousness. Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this foolproof, mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend for the chicken.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the crockpot, trying not to overlap them too much.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is generously coated.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours, which will ensure the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional: For a slightly crispy exterior, transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
Tips
- Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to help the spices and sauce adhere better and create a more flavorful result.
- Don't skip the seasoning step - the garlic powder, salt, and pepper create a flavor base that elevates the entire dish.
- Avoid overcrowding the crockpot; arrange drumsticks in a single layer for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra crispy finish, consider the optional broiling step to give your drumsticks a slightly caramelized exterior.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the BBQ sauce before adding it to the crockpot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 54g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
