Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself? Look no further than these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs! Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, this American classic is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and discover the secret to finger-licking BBQ goodness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 chicken legs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken legs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and better sauce absorption.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Create a dry rub by thoroughly mixing these seasonings.
- Generously coat each chicken leg with the prepared seasoning blend, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the meat.
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer inside the slow cooker, making sure they are not overlapping too much.
- Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours, which will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb the BBQ flavors.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken legs with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Optional: For a crispy exterior, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and allows the BBQ sauce to soak in more effectively.
- Mix Your Dry Rub: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful dry rub. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—generously coat each chicken leg for maximum flavor.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or oil. This step is crucial to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Layer Carefully: Arrange the chicken legs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and allow the sauce to envelop each piece.
- BBQ Sauce Bliss: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken legs evenly. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sauce!
- Check Temperature: After cooking for 4 hours on low, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Crispy Finish: If you love a crispy exterior, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and broil them for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Serve with Style: Pair your BBQ chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete meal that will have everyone raving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 130mg
