When you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot is the answer. This recipe combines juicy chicken drumsticks with a rich and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender chicken with that classic BBQ flavor any day of the week.
Why We Love This BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
This BBQ chicken legs recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and taste. Crock pots are a lifesaver for busy individuals or families, allowing you to prepare meals in advance without sacrificing flavor. The chicken legs become incredibly tender as they simmer, absorbing all the flavorful BBQ sauce. You get to savor the delightful combination of spices and the sweet, smoky notes of the sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this dish checks all the boxes for satisfaction.
Ingredients about BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
To make your delicious BBQ chicken legs, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you will need to gather before you start cooking:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create mouthwatering chicken you won’t be able to resist.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe Directions
Making BBQ chicken legs in your crock pot is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by placing the chicken legs at the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer. Make sure they’re arranged so they don’t overlap, as this helps them cook evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take a spoon or whisk and stir this mixture well until all the ingredients are fully blended. This step is critical as it ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken legs. Make sure each leg is coated evenly with the sauce, which will add to the flavor of the dish as it cooks.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid. This helps trap the heat and moisture, keeping your chicken legs moist and flavorful.
- Now, it’s time to set your crock pot. Cook the chicken legs on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The longer cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with flavor.
- When your cooking time is up, use tongs to carefully remove the chicken legs from the crock pot. Place them on a serving dish. If you’d like, you can brush on some extra BBQ sauce for added flavor before serving.
- Enjoy your beautifully cooked BBQ chicken legs, ready to be devoured!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
Serving BBQ chicken legs is as easy as enjoying the meal itself. You can set the table with the delicious drumsticks at the center and let everyone help themselves. Pair the chicken legs with classic sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans, to complete your meal. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider offering some grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to bring a refreshing balance to the savory chicken.
For an added touch, consider garnishing the dish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. This not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also adds a pop of freshness that complements the rich BBQ flavors.
Expert Tips: BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
To ensure your BBQ chicken legs are the best they can be, here are some expert tips:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality chicken legs for the best flavor. Fresh chicken tends to cook more evenly and delivers superior taste.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken legs in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Beyond just pouring the BBQ sauce, the garlic powder and onion powder add lovely layers of flavor. Don’t skimp on these seasonings!
- Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: Chicken legs can vary in size. If yours are larger, you may need to extend the cooking time, or if they are smaller, you might need a shorter time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach at least 165°F for safety.
- Serve with Extra Sauce On the Side: People love to slather their chicken in BBQ sauce, so consider serving extra sauce on the side for those who want a little more.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
If you have any leftovers after your delicious dinner, storing them is a breeze. Allow the chicken legs to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate leftover BBQ chicken legs for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. To do this, place the cooled chicken legs in freezer-safe bags or containers and store them for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date they were frozen!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven, microwave, or crock pot. Reheating in the crock pot is particularly great as it keeps the chicken moist.
Variation of BBQ Chicken Legs Crock Pot Recipe
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Legs: If you enjoy a kick, consider adding hot sauce to your BBQ sauce. You can adjust the heat level according to your taste.
- Honey BBQ Chicken Legs: For a sweeter taste, mix in honey with the BBQ sauce. This adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken Legs: Swap the BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce or a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to create a savory Asian flavor profile.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the sauce mixture to impart a refreshing herbal note to your chicken.
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of legs. They contain more fat, which makes for an even juicier result.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook BBQ chicken legs in a crock pot?
To get the best results, lay the chicken legs in a single layer and make sure to coat them in your sauce thoroughly. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields beautifully tender chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken legs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken legs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
How can I tell when the chicken legs are cooked?
The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Inserting it into the thickest part of the leg should show a temperature of at least 165°F.
What can I serve with BBQ chicken legs?
Consider sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh salad. These pair wonderfully with the savory, sweet flavors of BBQ chicken legs.
Can I make BBQ chicken legs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken legs and cook them in the crock pot, then store the leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later use. Just ensure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
BBQ Chicken Legs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken legs (drumsticks) Opt for high-quality chicken legs.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Your favorite brand.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken legs at the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken legs, coating them evenly.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid.
Cooking
- Cook the chicken legs on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F for safety.
Serving
- Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the chicken legs and place them on a serving dish.
- Optionally brush with extra BBQ sauce before serving.
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