Irresistible Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (So Easy!)

When life gets busy and you still want a home-cooked meal, these Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks come to the rescue. This is a dinner that practically cooks itself, requires almost zero prep time, and delivers sticky, sweet, and savory flavor in every bite. With just three pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can make a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner without the stress.

Perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry family, this easy recipe is also a great addition to your meal prep rotation. It’s especially great if you’re a fan of other effortless slow cooker meals like our Slow Cooker Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans.

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Why You’ll Love These Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

This recipe is for everyone who needs a break from complicated cooking. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves set-it-and-forget-it meals, this one checks all the boxes:

• It’s budget-friendly and uses basic ingredients.
• It’s kid-approved and family-friendly.
• It’s high in protein and super satisfying.
• It works for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week.

Even better, it pairs beautifully with easy sides like Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs.

What Are Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?

This dish is made by slow-cooking chicken drumsticks in a sweet and smoky sauce made from just BBQ sauce and brown sugar. The slow cooker gently breaks down the chicken over a few hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to each drumstick. The result? Incredibly tender, juicy chicken with a sticky BBQ glaze.

It’s a lot like our Baked Chicken Legs recipe but even easier, and it requires almost no active cooking time.

Ingredients

You’ll only need three simple ingredients:

• 3 pounds (approx. 10 pieces) chicken drumsticks, skin on
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or flavor)
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

Pro Tip: Want to add more flavor? Add a dash of garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce mix. You can also use homemade sweeteners like in our Sweet Chili Sauce if you prefer less processed sugar.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these drumsticks, gather the following tools:

• A 6-quart crockpot
• Tongs for flipping and serving
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Optional: Baking sheet and broiler (for crisping the skin)

If you love working with your crockpot, you’ll also enjoy our flavorful Crockpot Fajitas for another easy dinner idea.

How to Make Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

1. Mix the Sauce
   In a medium bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce and brown sugar until fully combined.
2. Layer the Drumsticks
   Place your chicken drumsticks into the crockpot. Try to keep them in a single layer or slightly overlapping.
3. Pour the Sauce
   Pour the BBQ and sugar mixture over the drumsticks. Use a spoon or tongs to ensure all pieces are coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Optional Broil
   For crispier skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Serve Hot
   Spoon extra sauce from the crockpot over the drumsticks before serving.

Looking for a side with more crunch? Try Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon for a zesty, nutritious pairing.

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Tips for Perfect Drumsticks

• Use skin-on drumsticks for the best texture and flavor.
• If the sauce becomes too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help it thicken.
• Want extra caramelization? Finish under the broiler.
• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

For a dish with a crispy twist, check out these Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Honey BBQ Version: Replace brown sugar with ½ cup honey.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or crushed garlic.
• No Drumsticks? Try bone-in thighs or even Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These BBQ drumsticks are extremely versatile and pair well with:

• Mashed potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes
• Cornbread muffins
• Fresh green beans or Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
• Rice or Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Make it a fun dinner by adding a simple dessert like these spooky Halloween Brownies.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Add a little BBQ sauce to keep them moist.

You can even repurpose leftovers into wraps or salads. Or serve them with sides like Cucumber Dill Salad for a light lunch.

What to Serve With These Drumsticks

Pair your drumsticks with these no-fail sides:

• Cottage Cheese Flatbread
• Vegetable Casserole
• Sourdough Discard Tortillas
• Strawberry Protein Pancakes if you’re doing a fun breakfast-for-dinner theme

For a drink, consider something light and refreshing like Lavender Lemonade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using frozen chicken: Always thaw first for safe and even cooking.
• Skipping the broiler: If you love crispy skin, don’t skip it.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: This leads to uneven cooking.
• Not checking internal temp: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Also, avoid using too thin BBQ sauces if you want a thick glaze—something smoky and bold works best, like in our Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen drumsticks?
You should always thaw them before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, spicy—it’s all about personal preference.

Do I need to flip the drumsticks while cooking?
Not necessary in a crockpot, but you can give them a quick stir halfway through for more even coverage.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the poultry setting for 10 minutes and quick release, then broil if you want crispy skin.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

The Crockpot 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s minimal in effort, rich in flavor, and family-approved. From the ease of prep to the finger-licking taste, there’s no reason not to make this part of your weekly meal plan.

You’ll especially love it if you’re already a fan of simple yet satisfying dinners like our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry or Keto Salami Roll-Ups.

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