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# Put Raw Chicken Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker with These 3 Ingredients – You’ll Want It Every Night
When it comes to easy, delicious, and satisfying dinners, few dishes can compete with the magic of the **slow cooker**. It’s the unsung hero of busy kitchens, helping busy home cooks create flavorful meals with minimal effort. Among the many slow cooker recipes that are popular, one of the simplest and most mouthwatering options is **chicken drumsticks**. While chicken drumsticks themselves are a versatile protein, combining them with just three simple ingredients in the slow cooker can create a dish that is both easy to make and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish for meal prep, this recipe for **slow-cooked chicken drumsticks** will become one of your favorites.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make **chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker with just three ingredients**, providing an in-depth look at why this recipe is so simple yet delicious. We’ll also share tips on how to elevate the dish, variations to try, and ways to make the recipe your own. Plus, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a slow cooker for this recipe and how it helps create the perfect texture and flavor.
## Table of Contents
1. **Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Chicken Drumsticks?**
2. **The Three Ingredients You Need**
3. **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks**
4. **The Benefits of Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker**
5. **Flavor Variations to Try with Your Chicken Drumsticks**
6. **How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks**
7. **Meal Prep Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks**
8. **Health Benefits of Chicken Drumsticks**
9. **Troubleshooting Common Slow Cooker Issues**
10. **Conclusion: Why You’ll Want This Recipe Every Night**
### 1. Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Chicken Drumsticks?
A slow cooker is the perfect tool for making tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken drumsticks. The key to slow cooking is the time and low heat, which allows the meat to slowly absorb the flavors of the ingredients while breaking down the collagen and connective tissues in the chicken. This results in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken that is packed with flavor.
The slow cooker also offers the convenience of hands-off cooking. Simply prepare your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. There’s no need to watch over the dish or stir it constantly. You can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you have a lot of other things to manage in the kitchen.
In addition, slow cookers are known for their ability to create a moist cooking environment. This is especially important when cooking chicken drumsticks, as they can dry out in the oven or on the stove if not monitored carefully. The slow cooker keeps the chicken moist and tender, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
### 2. The Three Ingredients You Need
So, what exactly are the three ingredients that make this recipe so incredibly simple and delicious? The key to this dish’s simplicity lies in the combination of chicken drumsticks and just two additional ingredients—each of which adds a distinct flavor profile and brings the dish to life.
#### **1. Chicken Drumsticks**
Of course, the first ingredient is the chicken drumsticks. These are an affordable and flavorful cut of meat that are perfect for slow cooking. Drumsticks are naturally juicy and full of flavor, thanks to the skin and bone that help retain moisture during cooking. You can purchase drumsticks with or without skin, depending on your preference. If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can always finish them under the broiler after slow cooking.
#### **2. Your Favorite BBQ Sauce**
The second ingredient is **BBQ sauce**—this is where the magic happens. BBQ sauce adds richness, sweetness, and a bit of tang to the dish. It coats the chicken and infuses it with a deep flavor that complements the natural juiciness of the drumsticks. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for an extra layer of homemade goodness. Some prefer a smoky BBQ sauce, while others go for a tangy, vinegar-based sauce. The flavor is completely customizable to suit your taste.
#### **3. Olive Oil (or Your Favorite Oil)**
The third and final ingredient is **olive oil**, which serves a few purposes. It helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the slow cooker and keeps it moist. While the chicken will release some of its own fat as it cooks, the oil helps create a barrier that ensures even cooking. You can also use another oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil or avocado oil, if preferred.
### 3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to get started on the recipe! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making **slow-cooked chicken drumsticks** with just these three ingredients:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks**
Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning and sauce stick to the chicken better. If you prefer, you can remove the skin from the drumsticks, but leaving it on will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
#### **Step 2: Coat the Drumsticks with Oil**
Drizzle olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) over the chicken drumsticks. Rub the oil into the meat, ensuring that each drumstick is well coated. This step will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from drying out in the slow cooker.
#### **Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce**
Next, pour your chosen BBQ sauce over the chicken drumsticks. You can either drizzle the sauce over the chicken or pour it directly into the slow cooker. If you like a more saucy dish, feel free to add extra BBQ sauce. If you prefer a less saucy chicken, use just enough to coat the drumsticks lightly. You can also reserve some sauce to brush onto the drumsticks toward the end of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
#### **Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken**
Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker, arranging them so that they are evenly spread out. Cover with the lid and cook on **low** for 6-7 hours or **high** for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Slow cooking the drumsticks on low heat ensures that they are cooked thoroughly while retaining their juiciness and flavor.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked, they should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork. Serve them as-is with a side of vegetables, or pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad for a complete meal. If you’d like extra crispy skin, you can transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil them for a few minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
### 4. The Benefits of Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in a Slow Cooker
There are several reasons why cooking chicken drumsticks in a slow cooker is so beneficial:
#### **1. Tender, Juicy Meat**
The slow cooker uses low, consistent heat to break down the collagen in the meat, making it incredibly tender. This means you’ll get juicy, fall-off-the-bone drumsticks without any dry or tough spots. The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making each bite rich and flavorful.
**2. Hands-Off Cooking**
One of the best things about using a slow cooker is that it’s a **set-it-and-forget-it** method. After preparing the chicken and sauce, you can simply leave the slow cooker to do the work. There’s no need to monitor the cooking process or worry about the chicken overcooking or burning.
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