Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive, kid-friendly cut that does well in the slow cooker. The dark meat stays moist through a long cook, and the sauce clings to the bone-in pieces. The main downside is the skin, which turns soft in a slow cooker, but a quick trip under the broiler fixes that.
Can You Put Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. Drumsticks are a good fit for the slow cooker, and raw, thawed drumsticks can go in directly. Thaw them in the refrigerator first, since food safety guidance generally advises against cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker.
How Long Do Drumsticks Take?
Times vary by slow cooker and by how full it is. As a general starting range:
- Low: about 4 to 6 hours
- High: about 2.5 to 3.5 hours
The chicken is safe when the thickest part, not touching bone, reaches 165°F (74°C). Dark meat is often more tender when it cooks a little beyond that point, and drumsticks are done when the meat is easy to pull from the bone. Very long cook times can make the meat fall off the bone and become mushy, so check on the earlier side.
Basic Slow Cooker Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 chicken drumsticks (about 2 to 3 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup of sauce of your choice, plus extra for finishing
Method
- Pat the drumsticks dry and toss them with the seasonings.
- Arrange them in the slow cooker, standing them up around the sides or layering them loosely.
- Pour in half the sauce and cover.
- Cook using the timing above, turning or stirring once if you are home.
- For better texture, move the drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with more sauce, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so the sugar does not burn.
Sauce Ideas
- BBQ: barbecue sauce with a little apple cider vinegar
- Honey garlic: honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger
- Orange: orange juice or marmalade, soy sauce, garlic and a pinch of chili flakes
- Teriyaki: bottled teriyaki sauce with a splash of water
- Dry rub: a simple rub of paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper, with only a little broth in the bottom
Sweet sauces can reduce and thicken as they cook. If there is too much liquid, pour the juices into a small pan and simmer them down to make a glaze.
What to Serve with Drumsticks
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans, broccoli or a simple salad
- Corn on the cob or coleslaw for a barbecue-style meal
Can You Cook Potatoes with Them?
Many people add potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker so they cook in the juices. Raw potatoes can go in the slow cooker. Cut them into fairly small, even pieces and place them at the bottom, where they sit in the liquid and cook more evenly. Firm, waxy potatoes tend to hold their shape better than starchy ones. Check that they are tender before serving.
Meal Prep and Freezer Tips
Refrigerate cooked drumsticks within two hours and eat them within about three to four days. To make a freezer meal, you can freeze raw drumsticks in a bag with the sauce, then thaw the bag fully in the refrigerator before cooking. You can also freeze cooked drumsticks with some sauce, then thaw and reheat until steaming hot.
If you prefer boneless pieces for sandwiches or bowls, see our slow cooker chicken thigh recipes or try shredded chicken in the slow cooker. Bone-in drumsticks can also be shredded: remove the skin and bones once cooked, then pull the meat apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, if it is thawed. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Why is the skin soft? The slow cooker’s moist heat does not crisp skin. Broiling or air frying for a few minutes at the end helps, or you can remove the skin before cooking. For a crisp finish from scratch, see air fryer chicken legs and drumsticks.
What are some other recipes for chicken legs? Beyond slow cooking, chicken legs also work baked, grilled or air fried. In the slow cooker, BBQ, honey garlic, orange, teriyaki and Italian-style sauces are all reliable.