3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Drumsticks
Budget-friendly, hands-off comfort food with bold barbecue flavor
These 3-ingredient slow cooker BBQ drumsticks are the definition of easy comfort food. Made with affordable chicken drumsticks, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a splash of cola or root beer, this crockpot BBQ chicken recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone meat coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this recipe gives you classic barbecue flavor without grilling or extra prep.
Slow cooking allows the sauce to penetrate deeply into the chicken, creating juicy drumsticks that practically pull apart on their own. If you love dump-and-go slow cooker recipes, this one belongs on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker BBQ Drumsticks
Only 3 simple ingredients no seasoning packets or prep work
Budget-friendly chicken recipe that feeds a family
Hands-off crockpot meal perfect for busy days
Tender, juicy drumsticks with sticky BBQ sauce
Great for meal prep, leftovers, or crowd-pleasing dinners
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8–10)
1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup cola or root beer (regular, not diet)
Instructions:
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the sauce cling better.
In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and cola until smooth.
Arrange drumsticks in the slow cooker in an even layer.
Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours
until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
Optional Sticky Finish:
For extra caramelized flavor, place cooked drumsticks on a foil-lined baking rack, brush with sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and lightly charred.
Variations & Pro Tips:
Use smoky or honey BBQ sauce for deeper flavor
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder for extra kick
Swap half the soda for low-sodium chicken broth for less sweetness
Shred leftovers for BBQ chicken sandwiches, rice bowls, or baked potatoes
