Falloffthebone Crock Pot Chicken Legs
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge at 5 PM? Honestly, that's me most nights. But then, ding, ding, ding , the slow cooker saves the day! This crock pot chicken legs recipe is a game changer.
It’s packed with flavor and so ridiculously easy.
Why This Chicken Is Boss
This recipe draws inspiration from Southern barbecue traditions. It's easier than ordering from Nando's, and tastes better. It's designed to be super simple, perfect for beginner cooks and busy bees alike.
Takes 15 minutes prep time, slow cooks for 6- 8 hours on Low, 3-4 on High. Feeds 4 to 6.
The Magic of Crockpot Chicken Leg Recipes
One major benefit is the lean protein. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for a relaxed Sunday dinner or a casual BBQ.
This Easy Weeknight Chicken Crockpot Recipe stands out because it delivers incredible flavor. All without requiring you to stand over a hot stove all day.
What Makes These Chicken Legs So Good?
The chicken quite literally falls off the bone. The tangy sweet barbecue sauce complements the savory chicken perfectly. Speaking of that, what exactly are we going to need?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these unbelievably delicious Fall off the Bone Chicken Legs Slow Cooker .
Honestly, this is one of those Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy that even I, with my sometimes dodgy cooking skills, can pull off without a hitch.
I used to be intimidated by slow cooking, but now Best Crockpot Recipes are my go-to! So simple, isn't it?
Main Ingredients: The Chicken & The Magic
- Chicken Legs: You will need 6-8 chicken legs (about 3 lbs/1.36 kg ). Look for plump ones with good colour. Don't get the super pale ones.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) for searing, totally optional but worth it.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Salt (5 ml) , 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (2.5 ml) , 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (5 ml) , 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (2.5 ml) , 1/4 tsp Onion Powder (1.25 ml) . Get good quality smoked paprika!
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) . This is your time to shine; choose your favourite brand. The options for Crock Pot Chicken Legs with BBQ Sauce are truly endless. I once used a mango habanero BBQ sauce. It was delicious.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Adds a lovely tang.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp (30 g) . Adds sweetness and helps the sauce thicken.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Don't skip this! It adds a depth of flavour.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Just a bit of zing.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Central
This is where you can really go wild! Smoked paprika is essential for that barbecue flavor. No worries if you don't have all the spices.
A good BBQ rub works perfectly. Oh my gosh!, experiment with Essential spice combinations for flavours to your taste. You can always swap the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is best. That's pretty much the golden key to fantastic crock pot chicken legs . I’ve done it in a smaller one before, but I had to squish the chicken legs and it wasn’t as even.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the dry spices.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Optional, but recommended to make sure your chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C)
And that's it! No fancy gadgets needed for this Easy Weeknight Chicken Crockpot Recipe . Let's get cooking with these Chicken Drumsticks Crock Pot Family Meal .
Chicken Leg Recipes are easy if you take it step-by-step.
Fall Off-The-Bone Crock Pot Chicken Legs (Seriously Simple!)
Honestly, who has time to slave over a hot stove all day? Not me, that's for sure. That's why I'm obsessed with my slow cooker.
It’s a game changer for easy crockpot dinners , especially on busy weeknights. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe: crock pot chicken legs .
Trust me, this is proper comfort food without any of the fuss! If you are looking for chicken crockpot recipes easy , this one is definitely for you.
I can guarantee that this chicken drumsticks crock pot family meal will be a success, everyone will enjoy it.
Did you know that slow cookers have been around since the early 20th century? They were originally designed to cook beans slowly, but now they can make all sorts of magic.
Just like these crockpot chicken leg recipes .
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let's get everything organized. We need those chicken leg recipes to be the best they can be.
Gather your 6-8 chicken legs, about 1.36 kg. Then grab your spices: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Get your sauces sorted. Have ready your barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Having everything ready before you start cooking makes life SO much easier. It saves so much time!
step-by-step to Best Crockpot Recipes
- Prep the Chicken: Pat those 6-8 chicken legs dry with a paper towel.
- Season: Mix 1 tsp salt , ½ tsp pepper , 1 tsp smoked paprika , ½ tsp garlic powder , and ¼ tsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub all over the chicken legs.
- Sear (Optional): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Brown the chicken for 2- 3 minutes per side. This boosts the flavour!
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together 1 cup BBQ sauce , ½ cup chicken broth , ¼ cup apple cider vinegar , 2 tbsp brown sugar , 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce , and 1 tsp Dijon mustard .
- Slow Cook: Place chicken in your slow cooker, and pour the sauce over. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours .
Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks BBQ
Want to take your fall off the bone chicken legs slow cooker to the next level? Sear the chicken for extra flavor, it makes a huge difference.
Don’t overcrowd the crock pot chicken legs with bbq sauce and adjust the sauce to taste. Also, this easy weeknight chicken crockpot recipe can be prepped the night before.
Just combine the chicken and spices, then store in the fridge. I've accidentally overcooked the chicken more times than I care to admit, so definitely check for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
You know?
Recipe Notes for Your Crock Pot Chicken Legs
Honestly, this chicken crockpot recipes easy as anything. But I've got some extra tips to make your crock pot chicken legs amazing . Think of these as cheat codes for flavour!
Plating Perfection and Drink Pairings
Presentation matters, yeah? Pile those slow cooker chicken drumsticks BBQ style on a plate. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a big dollop of creamy coleslaw.
Chips or sweet potato fries are a great addition. As for drinks? A cold beer, iced tea, or even just a fizzy lemonade is lovely.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigeration guidelines : Store your chicken legs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze them? Freezing options : They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat , thaw overnight in the fridge.
Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You could also use the microwave. Be careful not to dry them out.
Tweak It: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? For a dietary adaptation, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce. It makes this an easy weeknight chicken crockpot recipe .
For a seasonal swap, consider using peach preserves instead of brown sugar in the summer. It’s got that summer flavor!.
Nutrition Basics : It's Good For You!
Each serving has around 450-550 calories. You get a whopping 40-50g of protein. Plus, chicken is a great source of lean protein.
Just watch the sugar in some BBQ sauces. These melt-in-your mouth fall off the bone chicken legs slow cooker .
So there you have it! Everything you need for perfect crock pot chicken legs . Don't be afraid to experiment. Most of all, have fun! Best crockpot recipes are all about making life easier.
You've got this. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken legs for this crock pot chicken legs recipe?
It's generally best to thaw your chicken legs before putting them in the slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can prevent it from reaching a safe internal temperature quickly enough, potentially leading to bacterial growth.
For the best results and food safety, make sure your chicken legs are fully thawed before adding them to the crock pot.
My crock pot chicken legs are falling apart! What did I do wrong?
That usually means they've been cooked for too long, although some might consider that a win! Slow cookers vary, so start checking for doneness earlier. If yours cook quickly, reduce the cooking time next time maybe start with 5 hours on low.
Even though fall off-the-bone tenderness is the aim, you don't want them completely disintegrated!
How do I get crispy skin on my slow cooker chicken legs?
Slow cookers are great for tenderizing, but not so much for crisping skin. For that extra crunch, try broiling the chicken legs for a few minutes after they're cooked in the crock pot. Just pop them on a baking sheet under a high broiler and watch them carefully they can burn quickly!
Alternatively, you could give them a quick pan-fry in a hot skillet.
What's the best way to store leftover crock pot chicken legs?
Let the chicken legs cool down a bit, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. You can also shred the chicken and store it separately for use in sandwiches, salads, or tacos.
If you're planning to keep them longer, freezing is an option just make sure they're properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I adapt this crock pot chicken legs recipe for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! The biggest adjustment will be the sauce. Look for a sugar-free barbecue sauce alternative, or make your own using tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and a sugar substitute like erythritol. Also, skip the brown sugar in the recipe.
Serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or green beans for a complete and guilt free meal Bob's your uncle!
Falloffthebone Crock Pot Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
