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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Legs
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.
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
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
Add Chicken to Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
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
Check for Doneness:
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be tender and easily shred.
Serve:
Transfer the chicken legs to a serving dish.
Spoon some of the BBQ sauce from the crockpot over the chicken.
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!