Crockpot barbecue chicken legs are slow cooked with pantry spices and barbecue sauce until tender, juicy, and fall off the bone easy.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This is one of those dump and go dinners that feels almost too easy to be this good. Everything goes straight into the crockpot, no browning, no babysitting, and no extra dishes.
It’s perfect for busy days, lazy weekends, or when you just want dinner to handle itself. Low effort, big flavor, and hands off cooking make this a repeat worthy staple.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, fall off the bone chicken. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Chicken Legs – Dark meat stays juicy and tender during slow cooking and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Barbecue Sauce – Adds sweetness, tang, and that classic smoky BBQ flavor while keeping the chicken moist. I use Sweet Baby Rays.
- Garlic Powder – Brings savory flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion Powder – Adds mild sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Oregano – Gives a mild herb flavor that balances the richness.
- Paprika – Adds warmth, color, and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Black Pepper – Adds gentle heat.
- Cayenne Pepper – Provides a light kick that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.
How To Make It
Here’s how to make this amazing chicken dinner. You can find the full ingredients list and instructions on the recipe card below.
First, add the chicken legs directly into the crockpot. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne evenly over the chicken. Pour barbecue sauce over the top and gently toss it all together to coat the legs evenly.
PRO TIP: Use a thick BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Rays so that it will hold up during the cooking process.
Finally, cover and cook on low for 3– 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through. Serve and enjoy!
What Should I Serve This With?
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Mac and Cheese, cornbread, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad would all work perfectly.
Does The Skin Get Crispy?
No, the chicken skin does not get crispy in the crockpot. If you’d like to crisp it up, add the cooked legs to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes, for sure. Bone-in thighs work the same way and cook in about the same time, too.
Can I Cook This On High?
You can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours, but love will give the most tender results.
Storage
Let the chicken cool completely and place it into an air tight food safe storage container. It will last for up to three days.
Crockpot Barbecue Chicken Legs Recipe
Equipment
- 6-8 QT Crockpot
Ingredients
- 3 Pounds Chicken Legs
- 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- 2 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 Cups BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Add the chicken legs directly into the crockpot. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne evenly over the chicken. Pour barbecue sauce over the top and gently toss it all together to coat the legs evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3– 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through. Serve and enjoy!
Other Easy Crockpot Recipes
If you like super easy to make crockpot recipes like this one, you have to try these Crockpot Beef and Noodles, Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potatoes and Crockpot Southern Smothered Chicken Legs.
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