Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are tender, juicy chicken legs coated in a rich, sticky honey barbecue glaze. Slow cooking allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender while soaking up sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor. This easy crockpot chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual gatherings, and requires minimal prep with big, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2½ lbs chicken drumsticks (about 8–10 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Honey BBQ Sauce
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat drumsticks dry with paper towel. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over chicken.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
Place drumsticks in crockpot in a single layer if possible. Pour honey BBQ sauce over chicken and turn pieces to coat.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken and Glaze (Optional)
For thicker sticky glaze, transfer drumsticks to baking sheet and broil 3–5 minutes while brushing with crockpot sauce.
Variations
- Use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks
- Add hot sauce or cayenne for spicy honey BBQ
- Mix in pineapple juice for tropical sweetness
- Use bourbon BBQ sauce for smoky depth
- Add minced garlic or chili flakes to sauce
- Make sugar-free using low-carb BBQ and honey substitute
- Add sliced onions in crockpot for extra flavor
Cooking Notes
- Drying chicken first helps sauce cling better
- Avoid overcrowding so chicken cooks evenly
- Chicken releases juices that thin the sauce during cooking
- Broiling at end caramelizes glaze beautifully
- Turning chicken halfway ensures even coating
- Skin becomes soft in slow cooker but crisps under broiler
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)
- Reserve some sauce for brushing before serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coleslaw and cornbread
- Pair with roasted potatoes or fries
- Add to BBQ platters with baked beans
- Serve over rice to soak up sauce
- Slice meat for sandwiches or wraps
- Serve with mac and cheese for comfort meal
- Garnish with parsley or green onions
Tips
- Use thick barbecue sauce for richer glaze
- Line crockpot with liner for easy cleanup
- Flip drumsticks once during cooking if stacked
- Broil on foil-lined pan for caramelized edges
- Spoon sauce over chicken before serving
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days
- Reheat gently to keep chicken moist
- Freeze cooked drumsticks up to 2 months
Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours LOW or 3–4 hours HIGH
Total Time: About 5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 320 per drumstick
Protein: 23g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 22g
FAQs
Can I use frozen drumsticks?
Yes, but add 1–2 hours cooking time on LOW.
Can I make this in oven instead?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40–45 minutes, brushing with sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer crockpot sauce in saucepan 5–10 minutes or broil chicken with glaze.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, tender, and coated in a sticky sweet barbecue glaze that’s irresistible. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this crockpot chicken recipe is perfect for easy dinners, parties, or family meals everyone will love.