If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and delicious dinner option, crockpot chicken leg recipes are the perfect solution.
Chicken legs (or drumsticks) are juicy, flavorful, and cook beautifully in a slow cooker, absorbing all the spices and sauces you add.
With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, crockpot chicken legs are ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping.
We’ll explore why crockpot chicken legs are a must-try, share tips for the best results, and give you a few mouthwatering recipe ideas you can try at home.
Why Choose Chicken Legs in the Crockpot?
Affordable – Chicken legs are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of meat, making them great for families.
Juicy and Tender – Slow cooking ensures the meat falls right off the bone.
Versatile – From BBQ to honey garlic to spicy buffalo, chicken legs adapt to any flavor profile.
Effortless – Just season, set, and let the crockpot do the work.
Flavorful Crockpot Chicken Leg Recipes
Here are a few easy variations you can make at home:
1. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs
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Ingredients: Chicken legs, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper.
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Method: Place chicken in the crockpot, cover with BBQ sauce, season with spices, and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Serve with coleslaw or baked beans.
2. Honey Garlic Crockpot Chicken Legs
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Ingredients: Chicken legs, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of ketchup.
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Method: Mix sauce ingredients, pour over chicken legs, and cook on low for 6 hours. Perfect with rice or steamed vegetables.
3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Legs
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Ingredients: Chicken legs, buffalo wing sauce, butter, garlic powder.
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Method: Cook chicken with buffalo sauce and seasonings for 5–6 hours on low. For crispy skin, broil before serving. Pair with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
Also Check: Homemade buffalo chicken dip
4. Teriyaki Crockpot Chicken Legs
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Ingredients: Chicken legs, teriyaki sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds.
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Method: Combine chicken with teriyaki sauce and ginger, cook on low for 6 hours, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Delicious with stir-fried veggies.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Legs
Remove skin for less fat: If you prefer a lighter meal, peel off the chicken skin before cooking.
Brown before slow cooking: Quickly searing the legs in a skillet gives them extra flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: Arrange the legs in a single layer if possible for even cooking.
Finish under the broiler: For crispy skin, place cooked chicken legs on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Legs
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Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
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Steamed rice or fried rice
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Coleslaw or green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Dinner rolls or cornbread
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken legs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled chicken in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave, oven, or even back in the crockpot with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Also Check: Spicy chicken wings recipe
crockpot chicken leg recipes
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken legs in the crockpot in a single layer.
- Pour BBQ sauce (or chosen sauce) over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
- (Optional) For crispy skin, transfer cooked legs to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Swap BBQ sauce with honey garlic, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce for different flavors.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Whether you love tangy BBQ, sweet honey garlic, or spicy buffalo, crockpot chicken leg recipes are a simple way to bring big flavor to the dinner table.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone chicken legs that everyone in your family will love.
