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Rub these chicken legs down with a simple seasoning then cover in sauce. These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are the perfect slow cooker dinner. 

BBQ Chicken Legs in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are an easy, hands-off way to make tender, flavorful chicken that falls right off the bone. The slow cooker locks in moisture while the BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor everyone loves.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or when you need a low-effort dinner that feeds the whole family.

Chicken Legs are also called drumsticks. So Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a great recipe that I highly recommend.

Table of Contents

How to make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs:

To make Crock Pot Chicken Legs you want to start by seasoning your drumsticks. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks into the slow cooker and cover them with BBQ sauce.

Cook in the chicken in the slow cooker and then serve for dinner!

ingredients for the slow cooker BBQ Chicken Legs.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Garlic Powder – Adds flavor without burning during slow cooking.
  • Chili Powder
  • Smoked Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.
  • BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work great.I used Sweet Baby Ray’s for this recipe.
top-down view of the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in the slow cooker.

Directions:

Step One: Get started with the seasonings.

Mix all of the dry seasonings together and then rub each chicken leg with seasoning and place in the slow cooker.

seasoning the chicken legs and then placing them in the slow cooker.

Step Two: Next add in just 1 cup BBQ sauce on top and place lid on slow cooker. Use a brush to make sure all chicken is coated with BBQ sauce.

Recipe Tip

I do not add any more liquid to this recipe. The water coming from the chicken along with the BBQ sauce is more than enough. I have tested this recipe with chicken broth, and it came out too soggy and soupy. 

pouring the BBQ sauce over the chicken and brushing it on.

How long to cook chicken legs in the slow cooker:

Step Three: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Recipe Tip

Overcooking the legs could result in the bones becoming brittle. Be careful in case some break during cooking.

top-down closeup of the BBQ Chicken Legs in the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stack chicken legs in the slow cooker?
Yes, just rotate them halfway through cooking if possible for even coverage.

Is broiling necessary?
No, but broiling adds crispiness and extra flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken legs?
It’s best to thaw first for food safety and even cooking.

Pro Tips

  • Use a liner for easy cleanup.
  • Broil after cooking for caramelized BBQ flavor.
  • Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
  • Leftovers make great sandwiches or wraps.
closeup of holding a BBQ Chicken Leg with tongs.

Serving Options:

I love serving these chicken legs with a side salad, corn casserole, or even mashed potatoes. These go with almost anything, so make what you love!

Here are more of my favorite side dish recipes.

BBQ Chicken Legs served on a bed of mashed potatoes.

If you tried any of my recipes, I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below.

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slow cooker bbq chicken legs
5 from 5 votes

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

By: Jennie Duncan
Pat these chicken legs down with a simple seasoning then cover in sauce. These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are the perfect slow cooker dinner. 
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 4 pounds chicken legs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce

Instructions 

  • Mix all dry seasonings together. Rub each chicken leg with seasoning and place in the slow cooker.
  • Add 1 cup BBQ sauce on top and place lid on slow cooker. Use a brush to make sure all chicken is coated with bbq sauce.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with additional 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.

Notes

Tip: I do not add any more liquid to this recipe. The water coming from the chicken along with the BBQ sauce is more than enough. I have tested this recipe with chicken broth and it came out too soggy and soupy. 
Cooking Tip: Overcooking the legs could result in the bones becoming brittle. Be careful in case some break during cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 783mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 619IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
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About Jennie

I'm Jennie! I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

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9 Comments

  1. It’s in the crock pot as I speak. Can’t go wrong with simple ingredients and the crock! I know it’s a winner !!

    Reply

      1. One of my favorites, barbecue chicken legs, better than trying to keep my temperature right on my Tregar Grill, Most definitely are going to have this. Thanks

        Reply

  2. I use Carolina Gold barbecue sauce but this recipe was great! Couldn’t be and easier way to have barbecue chicken and beat the heat at the same time!

    Reply

  3. It’s in the crock pot as I speak. Can’t go wrong with simple ingredients and the crock! I know it’s a winner !!

    Reply