Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Legs

  1. Trim and Season:
    • Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
    • Season the chicken legs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub the seasonings into the chicken.
  2. Optional Browning (for extra flavor):
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Brown the chicken legs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

  1. Add Chicken to Crockpot:
    • Place the seasoned chicken legs in the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
    • Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

  1. Slow Cook:
    • Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Check for Doneness:
    • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be tender and easily shred.
  2. Serve:
    • Transfer the chicken legs to a serving dish.
    • Spoon some of the BBQ sauce from the crockpot over the chicken.
  3. Optional Final Touch:
    • For a thicker sauce, you can transfer the remaining liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to your desired consistency.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs

  • Chicken Skin: Removing the skin helps prevent the dish from becoming greasy. If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the chicken legs briefly after cooking.
  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personalized touch.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, simmer the sauce after removing the chicken to reduce it further.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve these BBQ chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Legs are a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich BBQ glaze. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for your family and friends. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of these slow-cooked BBQ chicken legs!

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