Falloffthebone Bbq Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those days? The kind where cooking feels like climbing Everest? Honestly, slow cooker chicken legs are your answer.

These babies are packed with flavour and seriously simple. They are a game changer.

Brief Overview

This recipe hails from the heart of easy comfort food. Slow cooking, like a cozy hug from grandma, tenderizes even the toughest cuts.

We are talking about ridiculously simple prep, a few hours in the slow cooker, and BOOM! Dinner's sorted. This recipe serves 6-8 happy bellies.

Main Benefits

The best bit? These chicken leg recipes are packed with protein. Perfect after a gym session. And it's a total crowd pleaser, ideal for a casual family dinner.

Seriously, this recipe is the epitome of minimal effort, maximum flavour.

Craving that BBQ vibe but short on time? Read on!

Gather Your Arsenal

To make these lip-smacking slow cooker chicken legs , you'll need: 2.5-3 lbs chicken legs, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a bunch of spices.

Think 1 tsp each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Don't forget 1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.

Let's Get Started: Prepping the Chicken

First up, grab those drumstick recipes and give them a good pat down with paper towels. Sounds weird? I know.

But it helps the spices stick. Next, in a big bowl, whisk together your olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

This is going to be your flavour bomb.

Marinating Made Easy

Now, chuck those chicken drumstick recipes into the bowl with the spice mix. Get your hands in there and make sure every inch is covered.

This is where the magic happens. You can even let them marinate for a bit in the fridge. Trust me, it's worth it.

Slow Cooker Time

Place the chicken legs in your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour over your BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.

Then, pop the lid on and cook on low for 4- 6 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 2- 3 hours.

Cook until the chicken is falling off the bone!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show On The Road!

Okay, so you're thinking about making these amazing Fall Off The Bone Chicken Legs Recipe ? Sweet! Trust me, they're well worth it.

Here's what you'll need. Don't stress, most of it's stuff you probably already have kicking about. My easy dinner recipes crockpot collection would not be complete without this recipe!

Main Ingredients for The Best Drumstick Recipes

• Chicken Legs: 2.5-3 lbs (that's 1.1-1.4 kg for my friends across the pond). Honestly? Get the best looking chicken drumstick recipes you can find. Fresher the better! You'll want around 8-10 legs, depends on how hungry everyone is.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). Go for extra virgin if you've got it. It just adds a bit more flavour, you know?
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp ( 5 ml ). This is what gives it that smoky, BBQ-y yum.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: 1 tsp ( 5 ml ) each. Can't go wrong with these two classics.
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5 ml ). Adds a lovely herby touch, innit?
• Salt: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5 ml ). Don't skip it! Salt brings out all the flavours.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp ( 1.25 ml ). Freshly ground is always better, but pre-ground works just fine.
• BBQ Sauce: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). Now, this is where you can get creative. Use your fave! I'm partial to a good smoky one for my BBQ chicken legs slow cooker .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Don't skip this! It helps tenderize the chicken leg recipes and adds a nice tang.

Seasoning Notes

This spice combo? It's like, magic . Smoked paprika is key, giving that awesome BBQ depth. Got no thyme? Rosemary works in a pinch.

If you're after slow cooker chicken legs BBQ sauce , experiment. I once accidentally used a honey BBQ sauce - total game changer! It also can be called Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes or even just Drumstick Recipes .

If you love vinegar, you can add a bit more amount of Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Vinegar .

Equipment Needed (Keepin' it Simple)

• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot). Obviously! Any size will do, but I'd say a 6-quart is ideal.
• Large Bowl. For mixing all those delicious spices.
• Whisk. Or a fork, whatever you've got. Just need to mix stuff up.

Honestly, that's it. No need for fancy gadgets. We're going for easy here. If you don't have a slow cooker, maybe it's time to finally invest and start with the best Crockpot Chicken Legs for Potluck ?.

Now, get your apron on, and let's get started!

Fall Off-The-Bone BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

Honestly, who doesn't love BBQ chicken leg recipes ? This easy dinner recipes crockpot version is about to become your new best mate.

We're talking minimal effort, maximum flavour. Imagine tender, juicy drumstick recipes that's what we're aiming for!

Prep Like a Pro

• Mise en Place Mastery: Get all your ingredients out and measured. This is so important for making sure that nothing goes wrong.
• Time Saving Tip: Mix the spice rub the night before. Store in an airtight container. You'll thank me later.
• Safety First: Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?

Slow Cooker Magic: step-by-step

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Use paper towels. This gets the chicken drumstick recipes texture spot on.
2. Spice It Up: Whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat 'Em: Toss the chicken legs in the spice mix. Get them properly covered.
4. Slow Cooker Placement: Arrange chicken in a single layer. No need to go crazy, but avoid piling them.
5. BBQ Time: Pour your favourite BBQ chicken legs slow cooker sauce (about 1 cup) and apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) over the legs.
6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or high for 2- 3 hours.
7. Optional Crisp: Broil for 2- 3 minutes per side for crispy skin. Watch them carefully!
8. Serve: Get stuck in, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Fall Off The Bone Chicken Legs Recipe

• Don't Crowd the Cooker: Cook in batches if needed. It will mess with the cooking time!
• Spice Hack: Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick .
• make-ahead Marvel: Marinate the chicken overnight for an extra flavour boost. A bit of planning takes you far.

This crockpot chicken legs for potluck recipe is a total game changer. My first time? I slightly burned the chicken when broiling.

Don't be like me: keep a close eye on it! Some like to add slow cooker chicken legs with vinegar and it gives it a unique taste.

The best part? This is an easy dinner recipes crockpot that the whole family will love. Enjoy, yeah?

Recipe Notes for Epic Slow Cooker Chicken Legs

Alright, so you're about to make some fall off the bone chicken legs recipe . Awesome! Before you dive in, let's run through a few things to keep in mind.

Honestly, these slow cooker chicken legs are pretty foolproof, but a few tips and tricks can make all the difference.

Plating and Presentation Power Ups

First off, let's talk presentation. Don't just dump those beautiful chicken leg recipes on a plate! Think about it. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a pop of colour.

A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce? Yes, please! Serve these bad boys with creamy coleslaw or corn on the cob.

You know? The usual suspects. Or how about alongside some creamy mashed potatoes? Seriously comforting!

Storing Your Chicken Masterpiece

Got leftovers? No worries! These chicken drumstick recipes are just as good the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave them. Oven's good too, it helps crisp them up a bit. Freezing? Totally an option.

Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Remixing Your Chicken

Want to mix things up? This recipe is totally customizable. Craving some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.

Want it sweeter? A honey garlic BBQ sauce would be delicious. If you are on a low carb lifestyle, then use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and serve this with cauliflower mash.

You can always swap chicken legs for chicken thighs, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's be real. This isn't a health food, but it’s good soul food! Roughly, each serving clocks in at around 350-400 calories.

You're getting a decent dose of protein from these chicken slow cooker recipes , which helps keep you full. Just be mindful of the sodium and sugar content in your BBQ sauce.

Also, this recipe fits perfectly for a Crockpot Chicken Legs for Potluck

There you have it! Seriously, making BBQ chicken legs slow cooker style is a winner, winner, chicken dinner. The key is to relax, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with flavours.

And honestly? Enjoy every single, delicious bite. You deserve it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken legs in the slow cooker?

It's generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken legs in a slow cooker. For food safety, it's best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator first. This ensures they cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature, otherwise you might end up with a "Houston, we have a problem" situation.

How do I prevent my slow cooker chicken legs from being dry?

To keep your chicken legs moist, make sure they are mostly submerged in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar mixture. Avoid overcooking them keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness around the minimum time suggested.

If the sauce is reducing too quickly, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture levels.

What's the best way to get crispy skin on these slow cooker chicken legs?

Slow cookers aren't really known for crispy skin, are they? For that BBQ texture, the recipe includes an optional step to broil the chicken legs for a few minutes per side after they're cooked in the slow cooker. Watch them like a hawk, as they can go from golden brown to burnt pretty quickly.

Patting the chicken legs dry before adding the spice rub also helps to promote crispier skin.

How long can I store leftover slow cooker chicken legs?

Cooked chicken legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them down completely before refrigerating. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken legs for up to 2-3 months; just be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing a bit like finding a tenner in your old winter coat!

Can I adapt this recipe for a sugar-free or low-carb diet, while still enjoying slow cooker chicken legs?

Absolutely! The easiest way to make it low-carb is to use a sugar-free BBQ sauce. There are some great options available these days. You can also serve the chicken legs with cauliflower mash or a big green salad instead of traditional high carb sides like coleslaw or potato salad, ensuring it's a guilt free, "eat your greens" kind of meal!

How can I adjust the spice level of these Fall Off-The-Bone BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Legs?

Spice is the spice of life! For a milder flavour, reduce or omit the smoked paprika and ensure your BBQ sauce isn't too spicy. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the spice rub.

You could even add a finely chopped chilli to the slow cooker for an extra bit of "fire" - just remember to handle chillies with care!