Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better texture.

2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.

3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned drumsticks in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, then dot with the pieces of butter.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Optional Step for Caramelized Glaze: For the best sticky texture, preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully transfer the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon a little of the sauce from the slow cooker over them. Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

6. Serve: Place the drumsticks on a serving platter. For extra moisture and flavor, spoon some of the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.

Tips & Notes:

• For Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce to coat the chicken, remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

• Chicken Skin: Please note that chicken skin cooked in a slow cooker will be very soft and not crispy. If you prefer crispy skin, this recipe is best followed by the broiling step, or you can remove the skin before cooking.

• Make it a Meal: Serve these drumsticks with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, or simple steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce.