Why Crock Pot Chicken Legs Are a Weeknight Hero
Okay, friends, let’s talk about why chicken legs in a crock pot recipes are about to become your new best friend. Think about it: You’re juggling work, kids, errands…the last thing you need is a complicated dinner routine. That’s where your slow cooker steps in, all hero-like, to save the day with these flavorful slow cooker chicken legs. They are fall-off-the-bone tender, ridiculously simple to make, and require minimal cleanup. Seriously, what’s not to love? Plus, this delivers budget-friendly crock pot meals easily.
I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that practically cooks itself? You throw everything into the crock pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you have the most succulent crock pot chicken drumsticks imaginable. You’ll wonder how this wasn’t part of your cooking routine sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
This isn’t one of those complicated recipes with a mile-long ingredient list. Nope! We’re keeping it simple, so here’s what you’ll need to create some magic with your bone-in chicken slow cooker:
- Chicken Legs: The star of the show! About 2-3 pounds is perfect for a family meal.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to help those seasonings stick.
- Your Favorite Seasonings: We’re talking garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper…the works! Feel free to get creative!
- Chicken Broth: A little bit to keep things moist and flavorful. About ½ cup should do the trick.
- Optional Veggies: Onions, carrots, celery… throw them in for extra flavor and nutrients!
Don’t overthink it! This is where you can really tailor it to your family’s tastes. Got some seasoning blends you love? Use ’em!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fall-Off-The-Bone Results
Alright, let’s get cooking! These easy chicken leg recipes are seriously straightforward, so relax and enjoy the process.
Prepping the Chicken Legs (Skin-On vs. Skin-Off)
First things first, give those chicken legs a good rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Now, here’s a question I get asked all the time: skin on or skin off? Personally, I like leaving the skin on for extra flavor during the cooking process. However, if you’re watching calories or prefer a leaner option, feel free to remove the skin. The choice is yours!
Layering Flavors: Vegetables & Seasonings
If you’re using veggies, chop them up and spread them in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will act as an amazing, flavorful bed for the chicken. Now, in a small bowl, mix together all your seasonings. Drizzle the chicken legs with olive oil and then generously coat them with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered – this is where the magic happens!
Cooking Time Guidelines for Different Sizes
Place the seasoned chicken legs on top of the veggies in your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! This will give you that how to make tender chicken legs in a slow cooker level of yum!
Pro Tip: Don’t be tempted to open the lid too often during cooking! You’ll release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time.
5 Flavor Variations to Keep It Exciting
Need to mix things up? These healthy slow cooker chicken leg recipes are too good to pass up:
BBQ Honey Garlic Chicken Legs
Add a generous slather of your favorite BBQ sauce, a drizzle of honey, and a few cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker before cooking. The result is sticky, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.
Italian Herb & Lemon Infusion
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken legs before cooking. It’s a bright and refreshing take on a classic.
Spicy Buffalo-Style Drumsticks
Mix Frank’s RedHot sauce with a little melted butter and pour it over the chicken legs. Cook as directed for a fiery kick that will have you reaching for a glass of milk!
Creamy Mushroom Gravy
In the same way, you’ll prepare a creamy mushroom gravy to mix with your chicken legs.
Cajun Spiced Chicken Legs
Add a generous amount of cajun spices into the crock pot before you toss th chicken legs.
Tips for Serving & Storing Your Crock Pot Chicken
Serving is easy! These chicken legs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For storing leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re also delicious in sandwiches or shredded and used in tacos!
Best seasonings for crock pot drumsticks? I usually stick to garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little cayenne for kick! But trust me, experiment! A little rosemary and thyme is also fantastic.
FAQ About Chicken Legs In A Crock Pot Recipes
- How long to cook chicken legs in a crock pot on high?Cook chicken legs in a crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Do chicken legs get more tender the longer they cook?Yes! That’s the beauty of the crock pot. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, making the chicken legs incredibly tender. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they might become too dry.
- Should I remove the skin before cooking chicken legs in a slow cooker?It’s up to you! Leaving the skin on adds flavor and moisture, but removing it can make it a bit healthier. I also find it makes cleanup easier.
- Can I add potatoes to the crock pot with chicken legs?Absolutely! Potatoes are a great addition. Just cut them into chunks and add them to the bottom of the crock pot along with the other vegetables. Keep in mind they may take a bit longer to cook than the chicken, so make sure they’re tender before serving.
- What’s the best way to get crispy skin on crock pot chicken legs?Since the crock pot is moist, it’s tough to get crispy skin in there. But here’s a trick: After the chicken legs are done in the crock pot, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
So there you have it, friends! An easy weeknight chicken legs in a crock pot that’s sure to become a family favorite. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
Also remember this a great method when considering to can you cook frozen chicken legs in a crock pot.
